sin_n from_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o common_a encouragement_n that_o man_n take_v to_o live_v in_o a_o sin_n if_o they_o think_v it_o likely_a to_o be_v conceal_v but_o here_o they_o see_v how_o false_a a_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o if_o they_o can_v conceal_v it_o from_o man_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o from_o god_n and_o if_o god_n know_v it_o then_o can_v he_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o it_o please_v he_o again_o whereas_o abel_n blood_n cry_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n of_o abel_n both_o live_n and_o dead_a for_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o say_v his_o blood_n cry_v if_o god_n hear_v not_o that_o cry_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o hear_v it_o for_o he_o revenge_v it_o and_o punish_v cain_n when_o abel_n be_v dead_a and_o can_v not_o revenge_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o care_n god_n have_v not_o over_o abel_n alone_o but_o over_o all_o his_o child_n and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n 116.115_o that_o which_o be_v vile_a and_o of_o no_o regard_n in_o the_o world_n be_v precious_a with_o god_n tyrant_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kill_v they_o up_o by_o heap_n but_o god_n record_v up_o every_o one_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o revenge_v it_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a for_o if_o god_n have_v bottle_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o servant_n sure_o much_o more_o have_v he_o bottle_n for_o their_o blood_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o in_o all_o extremity_n of_o danger_n or_o distress_n to_o learn_v patience_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o die_v yet_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n for_o we_o have_v one_o 21.19_o will_v hear_v the_o cause_n and_o revenge_v our_o quarrel_n when_o we_o be_v go_v so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v patient_a we_o lose_v nothing_o but_o if_o we_o be_v impatient_a we_o get_v nothing_o let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v our_o tongue_n for_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o we_o cry_v loud_o enough_o to_o god_n for_o revenge_n who_o will_v hear_v it_o as_o assure_o as_o he_o do_v abel_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o abel_n speak_v then_o even_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a the_o second_o point_n be_v he_o speak_v also_o yet_o and_o that_o three_o way_n first_o his_o faith_n yet_o speak_v because_o it_o admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o who_o either_o hear_v or_o read_v this_o story_n to_o become_v such_o as_o abel_n be_v namely_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o in_o abel_n example_n it_o provoke_v all_o man_n to_o be_v like_o he_o because_o it_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o same_o regard_n and_o reward_n with_o god_n that_o abel_n have_v and_o so_o abel_n faith_n be_v a_o never_o die_a preacher_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o god_n child_n be_v real_a teach_n and_o loud_o preach_v to_o other_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a teach_n namely_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n to_o teach_v in_o word_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o teach_v by_o their_o deed_n and_o good_a example_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n teach_v not_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v the_o worse_a both_o for_o he_o and_o his_o hearer_n it_o suffice_v not_o for_o he_o to_o teach_v by_o vocal_a sermon_n that_o be_v by_o good_a doctrine_n but_o withal_o by_o real_a sermon_n that_o be_v by_o good_a life_n his_o faith_n his_o zeal_n his_o patience_n his_o mercy_n and_o all_o other_o his_o virtue_n must_v speak_v and_o cry_v &_o call_v to_o other_o man_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o which_o if_o he_o practise_v careful_o in_o his_o life_n as_o abel_n do_v then_o shall_v his_o virtue_n speak_v for_o he_o to_o all_o posterity_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a again_o abel_n though_o dead_a may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v because_o howsoever_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a yet_o in_o soul_n and_o spirit_n he_o live_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n speak_v may_v be_v understand_v because_o it_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o death_n by_o which_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v that_o be_v be_v dead_a in_o body_n yet_o live_v in_o soul_n which_o life_n with_o god_n be_v obtain_v unto_o by_o his_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n three_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v yet_o as_o all_o other_o god_n martyr_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v in_o the_o revelation_n 6.10_o from_o under_o the_o altar_n how_o long_a lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n as_o this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o martyr_n so_o special_o of_o abel_n the_o first_o martyr_n of_o all_o which_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v neither_o by_o he_o nor_o they_o vocal_o with_o uttrance_n of_o voice_n but_o it_o be_v so_o say_v to_o signify_v what_o fervent_a desire_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v in_o heaven_n of_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o their_o body_n and_o of_o a_o utter_a abolishment_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o their_o desire_n they_o doubtless_o utter_v to_o god_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n then_o in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v utter_v any_o thing_n with_o our_o voice_n and_o thus_o abel_n speak_v yet_o and_o shall_v speak_v till_o the_o world_n end_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o example_n the_o example_n of_o abel_n the_o second_o be_v of_o henoch_n in_o these_o word_n henoch_n by_o faith_n henoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n 5._o neither_o be_v he_o find_v for_o god_n take_v he_o away_o for_o before_o he_o be_v translate_v he_o be_v report_v of_o that_o he_o have_v please_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o example_n of_o faith_n be_v take_v also_o out_o of_o the_o old_a world_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v of_o henoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n to_o who_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n befall_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n let_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v first_o examine_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o his_o save_a faith_n he_o be_v take_v away_o take_v away_o that_o be_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n not_o by_o a_o ordinary_a work_n but_o miraculous_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o feel_v death_n nor_o any_o dissolution_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o his_o take_v away_o be_v miraculous_a for_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n be_v a_o ordinary_a work_n but_o to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o yet_o not_o die_v that_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o be_v henoch_n so_o then_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o much_o henoch_n have_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o believe_v steadfast_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v likewise_o honour_v with_o this_o high_a prerogative_n to_o be_v take_v into_o heaven_n without_o taste_v of_o death_n &_o further_a be_v take_v away_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v not_o die_v thus_o we_o have_v the_o meaning_n now_o concern_v this_o translation_n of_o henoch_n there_o be_v two_o opinion_n some_o think_v he_o be_v translate_v in_o soul_n only_o and_o not_o in_o body_n and_o they_o say_v he_o die_v in_o the_o translation_n so_o as_o his_o soul_n only_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o his_o body_n sleep_v in_o the_o earth_n though_o this_o appear_v false_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n yet_o let_v we_o see_v their_o reason_n and_o what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o their_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o no_o mortal_a body_n unglorify_v can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o his_o glorification_n therefore_o his_o body_n can_v not_o come_v in_o heaven_n answer_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v glorify_v ere_o it_o come_v in_o heaven_n if_o they_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o mention_v i_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o circumstance_n of_o every_o action_n be_v not_o mention_v for_o many_o circumstance_n of_o action_n must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v &_o such_o a_o one_o be_v this_o again_o the_o glorification_n of_o his_o body_n be_v here_o plain_o enough_o imply_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n now_o if_o his_o body_n see_v not_o death_n it_o be_v make_v immortal_a which_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o glorification_n their_o second_o reason_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o enter_v into_o heaven_n both_o in_o
it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o another_o way_n even_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o it_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o their_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o save_v their_o body_n from_o the_o flood_n they_o thereby_o assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a unto_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a second_o it_o show_v they_o how_o to_o be_v save_v for_o as_o they_o see_v no_o safety_n nothing_o but_o present_a death_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o that_o out_o of_o god_n church_n and_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n three_o they_o see_v they_o be_v save_v from_o the_o flood_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o first_o noah_n believe_v god_n word_n that_o the_o flood_n shall_v come_v then_o he_o obey_v god_n commandment_n and_o make_v the_o ark_n as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o thus_o he_o and_o he_o by_o believe_v &_o obey_v be_v save_v through_o the_o ark_n and_o without_o these_o the_o ark_n can_v not_o have_v save_v they_o this_o teach_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o to_o be_v save_v namely_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o else_o no_o salvation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v their_o body_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o it_o assure_v they_o much_o less_o can_v their_o soul_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o obedience_n last_o this_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o pawn_n unto_o they_o from_o god_n assure_v they_o of_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n for_o see_v god_n so_o full_o perform_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o bodily_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o believe_v they_o thereby_o may_v assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unto_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n moreover_o it_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o ever_o after_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o or_o any_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o they_o they_o then_o remember_v god_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o believe_v unto_o these_o and_o many_o other_o spiritual_a use_n do_v the_o ark_n serve_v unto_o noah_n and_o to_o his_o household_n as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v believer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o indeed_o the_o ark_n serve_v they_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o save_v their_o life_n therefore_o they_o also_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o but_o it_o save_v not_o we_o it_o serve_v we_o to_o no_o use_n corporal_a therefore_o how_o can_v we_o make_v any_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o we_o have_v no_o corporal_a use_n of_o the_o ark_n yet_o there_o arise_v a_o excellent_a spiritual_a use_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n and_o our_o baptism_n be_v figure_n correspondent_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o that_o noah_n ark_n be_v to_o they_o baptism_n be_v to_o us._n thus_o teach_v s._n peter_n 1.3.20.21_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n the_o figure_n which_o now_o save_v we_o even_o baptism_n agree_v the_o same_o that_o s._n paul_n here_o ascribe_v to_o the_o ark_n s._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o baptism_n the_o ark_n save_v they_o baptism_n save_v us._n now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o figure_n have_v two_o branch_n first_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o possibility_n to_o escape_v so_o be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o soul_n save_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v mystical_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o christ_n s._n peter_n prove_v apparent_o act_v 4.12_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n he_o prove_v act_n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v how_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v must_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v where_o it_o be_v and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v &_o teach_v in_o baptism_n for_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o the_o inward_a &_o powerful_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o use_n and_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o more_o careful_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o church_n by_o make_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v incorporate_a into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n for_o this_o must_v save_v we_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v as_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v buy_v out_o their_o safety_n no_o land_n nor_o live_n no_o house_n nor_o building_n no_o hill_n nor_o mountain_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n they_o perish_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n &_o out_o of_o his_o church_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n no_o honour_n nor_o glory_n no_o wit_n nor_o policy_n no_o estimation_n nor_o authority_n no_o friend_n nor_o favour_n no_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n no_o hill_n of_o happiness_n nor_o mountain_n of_o gold_n can_v save_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n for_o as_o it_o prove_v folly_n in_o they_o that_o trust_v to_o their_o high_a house_n or_o catch_v hold_v on_o the_o hill_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o will_v it_o prove_v much_o great_a folly_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v trust_v to_o any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o christ._n and_o contrariwise_o as_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v do_v the_o water_n wind_n and_o weather_n storm_n and_o tempest_n all_o they_o can_v so_o that_o still_o the_o more_o the_o water_n rise_v the_o ark_n rise_v also_o and_o be_v ever_o high_o than_o they_o and_o the_o high_a it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n the_o safe_a it_o be_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o hill_n and_o rock_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o true_o in_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o flood_n of_o calamity_n may_v assault_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o but_o they_o hurt_v not_o his_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n he_o be_v in_o christ_n nay_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v he_o but_o through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n &_o through_o all_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n the_o bless_a ark_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o merit_n shall_v carry_v he_o up_o and_o at_o last_o convey_v he_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a assurance_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v into_o christ._n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o profaneness_n either_o care_v not_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o contemn_v baptism_n let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n &_o they_o perish_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n the_o second_o be_v this_o noah_n body_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n he_o seem_v therein_o a_o dead_a man_n go_v into_o a_o grave_n or_o a_o tomb_n to_o be_v bury_v for_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ark_n &_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o water_n &_o he_o deprive_v of_o the_o fresh_a airâ—_n &_o gladsome_a light_n yet_o by_o god_n appointment_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o save_v noah_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o grave_n &_o if_o noah_n will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v go_v into_o this_o grave_n so_o they_o that_o will_v escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n by_o christ_n the_o true_a ark_n of_o holiness_n must_v be_v bury_v and_o mortify_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v
righteous_a of_o ourselves_o yet_o have_v christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o be_v make_v thereby_o partaker_n of_o god_n love_n and_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o he_o so_o make_v we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o now_o at_o last_o we_o have_v find_v that_o true_a and_o that_o only_a righteousness_n which_o can_v make_v a_o man_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n now_o it_o remain_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o foul_o our_o nature_n be_v defile_v with_o sin_n and_o stain_a with_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o can_v be_v wash_v away_o with_o all_o the_o water_n in_o the_o world_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o creature_n no_o not_o cover_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n but_o only_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o son_n of_o god_n also_o if_o he_o will_v apply_v that_o righteousness_n unto_o we_o and_o make_v it_o effectual_a must_v become_v man_n and_o live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o us._n a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v it_o and_o â—orthy_a of_o our_o often_o consideration_n that_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v one_o sinner_n righteous_a but_o that_o god_n son_n must_v needs_o do_v it_o and_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o hideous_a as_o nothing_o can_v hide_v the_o filthiness_n thereof_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n justice_n but_o only_o the_o glorious_a mercy_n seat_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n this_o may_v therefore_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o esteem_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o nature_n furthermore_n see_v here_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n god_n put_v perfect_a legal_a righteousness_n in_o adam_n heart_n in_o his_o creation_n he_o receive_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o we_o and_o lose_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o us._n god_n in_o mercy_n purpose_v to_o restore_v man_n thus_o by_o himself_o lose_v and_o cast_v away_o give_v he_o another_o and_o a_o better_a righteousness_n than_o before_o but_o because_o he_o see_v man_n be_v so_o ill_a a_o keeper_n of_o his_o own_o jewel_n he_o trust_v not_o he_o with_o it_o but_o set_v that_o righteousness_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o he_o to_o keep_v who_o as_o he_o true_o know_v the_o full_a value_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o as_o he_o dear_o love_v we_o so_o he_o will_v most_o safe_o keep_v it_o for_o we_o and_o clothe_v we_o with_o it_o in_o his_o father_n presence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n a_o point_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o god_n child_n to_o consider_v that_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o keep_n where_o it_o may_v again_o be_v lose_v but_o in_o a_o safe_a hand_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v and_o have_v it_o when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o and_o to_o remember_v that_o their_o righteousness_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o can_v lose_v it_o for_o though_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o lose_v often_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o then_o lose_v not_o their_o righteousness_n which_o be_v then_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o consider_v that_o when_o in_o this_o world_n they_o sustain_v loss_n or_o injury_n or_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o yet_o their_o righteousness_n the_o riches_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o heaven_n full_a safe_a in_o christ_n keep_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v lose_v this_o shall_v make_v we_o learn_v to_o know_v christ_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o very_a heart_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o bless_a paul_n 2._o timoth._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n last_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o a_o believer_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v make_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n make_v we_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o patience_n and_o minister_v we_o comfort_v in_o all_o outward_a affliction_n or_o inward_a temptation_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o our_o suffering_n be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o all_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o us._n when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o call_v to_o saul_n act_v 9.4_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n math._n 25.45_o whatsoever_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n be_v do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o child_n he_o say_v be_v do_v to_o himself_o and_o according_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v as_o do_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v teach_v that_o true_a righteousness_n which_o justify_v a_o sinner_n and_o make_v noah_n righteous_a and_o we_o see_v the_o use_n of_o that_o worthy_a doctrine_n and_o in_o this_o first_o point_n we_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o this_o righteousness_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n create_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o apprehend_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o way_n else_o either_o apprehend_v or_o apply_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_o call_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v which_o by_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o man_n own_o or_o whereunto_o a_o man_n have_v title_n by_o his_o faith_n here_o therefore_o two_o point_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o observation_n 1._o that_o true_a faith_n apprehend_v proper_o this_o true_a righteousness_n 2._o that_o only_a faith_n can_v do_v it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o scripure_a s._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 3.14_o they_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n and_o s._n john_n say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v christ_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v that_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o add_v even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n john_n 1.12_o and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o hand_n that_o take_v hold_v on_o a_o garment_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o body_n be_v naked_a or_o to_o a_o beggar_n hand_n that_o take_v or_o receive_v a_o king_n alm_n so_o faith_n in_o a_o man_n soul_n take_v hold_v on_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o merciful_a and_o liberal_a alm_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o naked_a soul_n of_o the_o believer_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o can_v faith_n apply_v christ_n to_o the_o believer_n i_o answer_v as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n so_o contrariwise_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v wrought_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o a_o supernatural_a operation_n then_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n so_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n the_o proper_a object_n for_o faith_n to_o work_v upon_o for_o though_o it_o apprehend_v &_o apply_v all_o other_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o our_o soul_n or_o body_n yet_o most_o proper_o and_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n now_o for_o the_o particular_a manner_n how_o faith_n do_v thus_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a &_o invisible_a and_o so_o not_o easy_o express_v to_o sense_n yet_o be_v it_o do_v as_o proper_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o garment_n be_v by_o the_o hand_n take_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o body_n or_o a_o plaster_n to_o a_o sore_n if_o any_o ask_v further_o but_o when_o may_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o his_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o his_o soul_n or_o no_o i_o answer_v when_o he_o believe_v particular_o that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v his_o righteousness_n and_o have_v reconcile_v he_o to_o god_n and_o shall_v justify_v he_o in_o god_n presence_n then_o do_v faith_n work_v his_o true_a and_o proper_a work_n for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v
their_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n in_o life_n second_o this_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o go_v further_o and_o to_o get_v a_o sound_a faith_n that_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n at_o least_o in_o some_o true_a measure_n for_o save_v faith_n will_v cleanse_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n &_o strengthen_v his_o soul_n in_o temptation_n quest._n here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o isaac_n be_v abraham_n only_o beget_v son_n see_v ishmael_n be_v also_o his_o son_n and_o be_v bear_v before_o isaac_n as_o be_v evident_a gen._n 16_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n first_o that_o ishmael_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v put_v out_o of_o abraham_n house_n for_o it_o be_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n gen._n 21.10_o and_o so_o be_v make_v no_o child_n of_o abraham_n second_o ishmael_n be_v his_o child_n indeed_o yet_o not_o by_o sarah_n but_o by_o agar_n a_o bond_n woman_n and_o so_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v base_a bear_v whereupon_o he_o be_v repute_v for_o no_o son_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v lawful_o which_o may_v be_v a_o item_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o bed_n defile_v see_v such_o offspring_n be_v so_o debase_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o follow_v the_o three_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v commend_v and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n in_o these_o word_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n who_o this_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n of_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o speak_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n for_o when_o god_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o but_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o all_o he_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o effectual_o unto_o his_o own_o soul_n so_o much_o do_v the_o word_n receive_v import_n now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o receive_v not_o one_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_v plural_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o god_n have_v make_v one_o main_a promise_n unto_o he_o touch_v christ_n do_v repeat_v and_o renew_v the_o same_o diverse_a time_n second_o because_o god_n have_v make_v diverse_a particular_a promise_n unto_o he_o as_o first_o that_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o second_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o child_n in_o his_o old_a age_n gen._n 17.16_o three_o that_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n he_o will_v give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o ever_o gen._n 13.15_o four_o that_o in_o isaac_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n genesis_n 21.12_o and_o because_o the_o receive_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o general_n can_v seem_v no_o great_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n work_n of_o faith_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n annex_v his_o receive_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n in_o isaac_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v which_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o stand_v with_o the_o do_v of_o this_o work_n in_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o in_o abraham_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o he_o in_o this_o work_n for_o he_o go_v about_o to_o kill_v isaac_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n in_o who_o life_n he_o believe_v to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n here_o then_o observe_v a_o most_o wonderful_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n which_o above_o all_o may_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o obey_v god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o i_o many_o gracious_a promise_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v say_v that_o in_o my_o son_n isaac_n the_o same_o must_v he_o accomplish_v and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v bless_v now_o then_o if_o i_o shall_v kill_v and_o sacrifice_v my_o son_n how_o shall_v these_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n will_v say_v i_o see_v no_o way_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v go_v and_o all_o hope_v lose_v but_o what_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o case_n for_o all_o this_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n still_o believe_v and_o hold_v assure_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v yet_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v here_o than_o we_o note_v this_o special_a point_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n do_v notable_o appear_v that_o when_o abraham_n case_n in_o respect_n of_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v desperate_a and_o void_a of_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n than_o he_o believe_v for_o when_o isaac_n be_v dead_a in_o all_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o isaac_n isaac_n be_v the_o man_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o hope_n be_v pass_v in_o man_n reason_n then_o good_a abraham_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o believe_v this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v all_o our_o life_n long_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o feel_v many_o thing_n in_o we_o that_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o despair_v when_o we_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o feel_v no_o comfort_n then_o let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n abraham_n practice_n who_o believe_v god_n promise_n when_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o even_o so_o let_v we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v frustrate_a and_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o than_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v when_o we_o feel_v comfort_n in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v god_n mercy_n but_o even_o then_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o stand_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o very_a gall_n of_o hell_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v in_o paul_n dangerous_a voyage_n towards_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n with_o the_o mariner_n and_o centurion_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n and_o neither_o sun_n nor_o star_n appear_v for_o many_o day_n so_o that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v all_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v take_v away_o act_n 27.20_o now_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o this_o extremity_n of_o danger_n now_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o any_o man_n life_n save_v of_o the_o ship_n only_o verse_n 22._o and_o so_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v bread_n even_o so_o when_o our_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v this_o that_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o outward_a calamity_n and_o trouble_n we_o feel_v our_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n and_o even_o enter_v into_o destruction_n and_o can_v neither_o see_v as_o it_o be_v light_n of_o sun_n or_o star_n then_o we_o must_v set_v before_o we_o god_n promise_n and_o labour_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o so_o david_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n say_v thus_o of_o himself_o psal._n 77.2_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n yet_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n he_o pray_v when_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o despair_v when_o he_o say_v will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o check_n himself_o and_o say_v this_o be_v my_o death_n and_o my_o weakness_n even_o so_o every_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desperation_n be_v bind_v
to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o faith_n to_o show_v itself_o in_o for_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v before_o hear_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o subsist_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v now_o further_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n receive_v god_n promise_n that_o be_v he_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o believe_v they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o by_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a point_n and_o worthy_a the_o mark_v god_n make_v his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n now_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o promise_n but_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o his_o own_o and_o thus_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n make_v in_o christ._n but_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o day_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o when_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o same_o but_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v apply_v they_o to_o his_o ow_v conscience_n and_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o his_o own_o man_n common_o be_v like_a unto_o way-faring_a man_n or_o traveller_n on_o the_o sea_n that_o pass_v by_o many_o goodly_a fair_a building_n rich_a town_n and_o island_n which_o when_o they_o behold_v they_o admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o and_o so_o go_v their_o way_n without_o make_v purchase_n of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o thus_o deal_v the_o most_o man_n with_o god_n merciful_a promise_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n god_n lay_v open_a unto_o they_o his_o rich_a mercy_n and_o bountiful_a promise_n in_o christ_n and_o man_n approve_v thereof_o and_o like_o they_o well_o whereupon_o many_o do_v willing_o apply_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o same_o but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o we_o must_v take_v a_o better_a course_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o labour_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o our_o own_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n and_o in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o faith_n gal._n 3.14_o further_o observe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o that_o particular_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v gen._n 21.12_o rom._n 9.7_o in_o which_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o thus_o much_o in_o effect_n ishmael_n shall_v not_o be_v thy_o son_n &_o heir_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v thy_o heir_n he_o it_o be_v in_o who_o i_o will_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v to_o thou_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v first_o we_o must_v observe_v paul_n collection_n gather_v from_o god_n deal_v with_o those_o two_o person_n roman_n 9.7_o namely_o that_o god_n before_o all_o world_n have_v choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n to_o manifest_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v refuse_v and_o reject_v other_o leave_v they_o unto_o themselves_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o justice_n upon_o they_o this_o doctrine_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o this_o place_n after_o this_o manner_n such_o as_o be_v god_n practice_n and_o deal_n towards_o man_n in_o time_n such_o be_v his_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n for_o as_o god_n before_o all_o time_n determine_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n so_o in_o time_n he_o deal_v with_o they_o now_o god_n practice_n and_o deal_n with_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n be_v this_o ishmael_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o spiritual_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o isaac_n be_v the_o man_n that_o must_v receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o so_o according_o it_o be_v with_o other_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n other_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o reject_v and_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o from_o life_n everlasting_a these_o two_o person_n isaac_n &_o ishmael_n be_v two_o type_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o god_n do_v elect_v and_o reject_v isaac_n represent_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n who_o become_v the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o ishmael_n be_v a_o type_n of_o those_o that_o be_v reject_v now_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o different_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o mankind_n choose_v some_o and_o refuse_v other_o we_o must_v all_o put_v in_o practice_n saint_n peter_n lesson_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a even_o careful_a above_o all_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a 2._o peter_n 1.10_o for_o all_o be_v not_o elect_v to_o salvation_n but_o some_o be_v reject_v all_o be_v not_o isaac_n but_o some_o be_v ismaelite_n if_o all_o be_v elect_v and_o choose_v to_o salvation_n than_o no_o man_n need_v to_o care_n for_o it_o but_o see_v some_o be_v reject_v and_o never_o vouchsafe_v to_o come_v within_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o great_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v not_o in_o ishmael_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o may_v note_v the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o live_v therein_o for_o abraham_n family_n be_v gods_n church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o therein_o be_v both_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n though_o both_o his_o child_n yet_o far_o differ_v in_o estate_n before_o god_n ishmael_n indeed_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o bring_v up_o teach_v and_o circumcise_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v without_o the_o covenant_n in_o god_n sight_n now_o isaac_n be_v not_o only_o bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o circumcise_v but_o also_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o herein_o differ_v far_o from_o ishmael_n for_o he_o be_v that_o son_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o god_n will_v continue_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o life_n everlasting_a to_o his_o posterity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o gods_n church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n one_o which_o be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n effectual_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n effectual_o and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o to_o their_o salvation_n because_o god_n do_v establish_v his_o covenant_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o difference_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o draw-net_n math._n 13._o of_o the_o sour_a and_o of_o the_o tare_n as_o also_o by_o christ_n behaviour_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n math._n 25.32_o sever_a the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n both_o which_o live_v together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o saint_n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n say_v that_o some_o be_v child_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o some_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9.8_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o one_o which_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v be_v not_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n it_o must_v make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o assure_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o so_o do_v ishmael_n and_o
keep_v the_o persecutor_n clothes_n that_o stone_a stephen_n act._n 7.58_o whereby_o he_o signify_v his_o consent_n thereupon_o he_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o his_o death_n act._n 22.20_o last_o observe_v the_o cause_n or_o rather_o the_o occasion_n that_o move_v the_o parent_n to_o save_v their_o child_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a comeliness_n and_o beauty_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o child_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v this_o move_v they_o to_o reason_n thus_o with_o themselves_o surely_n god_n have_v give_v such_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n unto_o this_o child_n that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o will_v use_v he_o hereafter_o to_o be_v some_o notable_a instrument_n of_o some_o great_a work_n we_o therefore_o will_v keep_v he_o alive_a this_o point_n must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o for_o beside_o their_o natural_a affection_n this_o also_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o make_v the_o parent_n save_o their_o child_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o those_o who_o god_n will_v employ_v above_o other_o in_o some_o special_a service_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n be_v usual_o endow_v with_o some_o special_a gift_n above_o other_o yea_o many_o time_n with_o outward_a grace_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o body_n for_o this_o beauty_n in_o moses_n body_n move_v his_o parent_n to_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o life_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v not_o imprint_v that_o in_o he_o for_o nought_o saul_n we_o know_v be_v make_v king_n over_o israel_n and_o it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o goodly_a stature_n for_o he_o be_v high_a than_o any_o of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o shoulder_n upward_o 10.23_o so_o david_n have_v a_o good_a countenance_n 16.12_o and_o a_o comely_a visage_n for_o the_o lord_n purpose_v to_o make_v he_o king_n over_o israel_n now_o as_o he_o do_v excel_v his_o brethren_n in_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n so_o he_o be_v to_o be_v far_o above_o they_o in_o this_o special_a service_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v his_o people_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n second_o that_o those_o which_o excel_v other_o in_o these_o gift_n of_o nature_n must_v look_v also_o that_o answerable_o they_o excel_v they_o in_o holiness_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o do_v good_a unto_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o david_n do_v but_o alas_o wretched_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o time_n for_o common_o those_o which_o have_v comeliness_n and_o beauty_n above_o other_o do_v use_v it_o as_o a_o bait_n &_o occasion_n unto_o all_o sin_n &_o naughtiness_n as_o to_o whoredom_n and_o lasciviousness_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v more_o full_o satisfy_v their_o own_o wretched_a and_o fatanicall_a lust_n but_o this_o must_v careful_o be_v look_v unto_o of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n in_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o other_o for_o if_o they_o use_v they_o or_o rather_o abuse_v they_o to_o be_v mean_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o unto_o god_n at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n have_v god_n give_v thou_o beauty_n &_o comeliness_n and_o do_v thou_o use_v it_o as_o a_o bait_n to_o ensnare_v other_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o thy_o lust_n then_o look_v unto_o it_o thou_o evil_a servant_n for_o thou_o do_v not_o hide_v but_o consume_v thy_o master_n talon_n employ_v it_o to_o his_o dishonour_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v have_v ugliness_n and_o deformity_n and_o so_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v tumble_v into_o hell_n with_o unclean_a spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o action_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o the_o second_o action_n whereby_o the_o faith_n of_o moses_n parent_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o be_v this_o they_o do_v not_o fear_v the_o king_n commandment_n these_o word_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v absolute_o and_o simple_o but_o with_o limitation_n for_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v speak_v simple_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o respect_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v math._n 11.18_o john_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v that_o be_v not_o eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o eat_v little_a and_o christ_n say_v math._n 10.34_o he_o come_v not_o to_o bring_v peace_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v as_o luke_n expound_v it_o luk._n 12.51_o rather_o debate_n than_o peace_n and_o so_o in_o this_o place_n moses_n parent_n fear_v not_o the_o king_n commandment_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o fear_v it_o overmuch_o or_o whole_o or_o only_o or_o so_o much_o as_o other_o do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n here_o than_o first_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v obey_v superior_n and_o magistrate_n we_o must_v obey_v they_o not_o simple_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n ephes._n 6.1_o that_o be_v in_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n but_o when_o they_o command_v thing_n evil_a and_o unlawful_a than_o we_o must_v stay_v ourselves_o lest_o obey_v they_o we_o rebel_v against_o god_n for_o this_o we_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n in_o this_o place_n as_o also_o in_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v command_v act._n 4.18_o 19_o that_o in_o no_o wise_a they_o shall_v speak_v or_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n answer_v whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v you_o rather_o than_o god_n judge_v you_o and_o the_o midwife_n of_o egypt_n be_v commend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n exod._n 1.17_o for_o save_v the_o young_a child_n alive_a against_o the_o king_n commandment_n and_o the_o three_o man_n of_o the_o jew_n shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n be_v renown_v with_o all_o posterity_n for_o disobey_v the_o commandment_n of_o nebuchadnessar_n dan._n 3.16_o 17._o of_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n by_o which_o example_n we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o man_n must_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o neither_o be_v our_o refuse_v to_o do_v their_o unlawful_a command_n any_o disobedience_n indeed_o because_o the_o five_o commandment_n in_o this_o case_n cease_v to_o bind_v and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o be_v great_a as_o we_o show_v before_o v_o 17._o second_o see_v here_o this_o godly_a boldness_n in_o not_o overmuch_o fear_v the_o king_n commandment_n be_v make_v a_o work_n of_o faith_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v serve_v to_o moderate_v a_o man_n affection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o if_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o he_o will_v go_v too_o far_o in_o the_o sway_n of_o his_o affection_n experience_n show_v that_o many_o through_o anger_n and_o joy_n have_v lose_v their_o life_n some_o for_o fear_n have_v forsake_v religion_n and_o sorrow_n have_v cost_v many_o a_o man_n his_o life_n yea_o any_o affection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o moderate_v and_o stay_v will_v bereave_v a_o man_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o make_v he_o a_o beast_n and_o no_o man_n but_o behold_v the_o use_n and_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o serve_v to_o mitigate_v a_o man_n affection_n so_o as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a it_o shall_v be_v with_o moderation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o fear_n joy_n hatred_n or_o any_o other_o affection_n faith_n will_v assuage_v and_o stay_v the_o rage_n thereof_o for_o undoubted_o moses_n parent_n may_v have_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o fear_n of_o pharaoh_n tyranny_n and_o cruelty_n but_o that_o god_n give_v they_o faith_n which_o do_v moderate_v this_o fear_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o look_v well_o into_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v excessive_a in_o many_o affection_n sometime_o in_o fear_n sometime_o in_o anger_n sometime_o in_o sorrow_n and_o such_o like_a now_o will_v we_o know_v how_o to_o bridle_v these_o strong_a passion_n then_o get_v true_a faith_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v moderate_v and_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o his_o affection_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o break_v out_o into_o extremity_n be_v a_o man_n angry_a why_o if_o he_o have_v faith_n he_o will_v bridle_v his_o anger_n be_v he_o sorrowful_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o measure_n and_o so_o for_o the_o rest_n faith_n will_v rule_v they_o all_o and_o yet_o extinguish_v none_o which_o shall_v great_o provoke_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o use_n and_o power_n in_o the_o stay_n of_o our_o affection_n verse_n 24._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n 25._o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o namely_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o beside_o the_o fruition_n of_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o life_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v all_o parent_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o by_o the_o practice_n hereof_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o lawful_a mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v for_o their_o good_a say_v the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o family_n what_o must_v parent_n and_o master_n do_v sure_o the_o best_a way_n for_o help_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v in_o all_o society_n this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o governor_n many_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o many_o blessing_n procure_v god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o daily_o and_o we_o know_v not_o when_o other_o more_o shall_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o the_o removeall_n and_o prevent_v of_o they_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o they_o all_o several_o now_o from_o they_o all_o joint_o together_o observe_v this_o special_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o do_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o every_o believer_n all_o god_n blessing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o gods_n blessing_n needful_a for_o he_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n well_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n hereto_o be_v to_o get_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
a_o cloud_n of_o faithful_a witness_n lead_v to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n or_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o 11._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n preach_v in_o cambridge_n by_o that_o godly_a and_o judicious_a divine_a m._n william_n perkins_n long_o expect_v and_o desire_v and_o therefore_o publish_v at_o the_o request_n of_o his_o executour_n by_o will._n crashawe_n and_o tho._n pierson_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n who_o hear_v he_o preach_v it_o and_o write_v it_o from_o his_o mouth_n phil._n 3.17_o look_v on_o they_o that_o so_o walk_v as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n heb._n 13.8_o who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n at_o london_n print_v by_o humphrey_n lownes_n for_o leo._n greene._n 1607._o to_o the_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a gentleman_n sir_n john_n sheaffield_n knight_n and_o m._n oliver_n s._n john_n son_n and_o heir_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a edmond_n lord_n sheaffield_n lord_n precedent_n of_o the_o north_n and_o oliver_n lord_n s_o john_n baron_n of_o bletsho_n grace_n and_o peace_n the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n honourable_a and_o most_o worthy_a gentleman_n make_v to_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n touch_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v singular_a comfort_n to_o the_o believe_a israelite_n in_o their_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n god_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n must_v needs_o augment_v their_o joy_n abundant_o although_o their_o bond_n at_o that_o time_n increase_v but_o the_o pledge_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n both_o night_n and_o day_n do_v so_o far_o exceed_v all_o his_o promise_n for_o matter_n of_o consolation_n that_o even_o moses_n himself_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v detain_v from_o the_o promise_a land_n than_o deprive_v of_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o way_n 10.6_o if_o thy_o presence_n say_v he_o go_v not_o before_o we_o bid_v we_o not_o depart_v hence_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v ensample_n unto_o we_o and_o evident_a type_n of_o our_o estate_n who_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n show_v apparent_o that_o howsoever_o believer_n be_v great_o cheer_v in_o their_o spiritual_a travel_n by_o the_o gracious_a promise_n which_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v make_v unto_o they_o yet_o this_o their_o joy_n be_v much_o increase_v by_o the_o view_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n or_o a_o cloudy_a pillar_n for_o howsoever_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o sound_a consolation_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v akin_a to_o thomas_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o believer_n wherein_o be_v some_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n truth_n we_o be_v far_o more_o cheer_v than_o by_o the_o promise_n itself_o alone_o here_o then_o behold_v what_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o this_o cloud_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o ho-ghost_n have_v erect_v as_o a_o pledge_n of_o his_o presence_n &_o a_o direction_n to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v follow_v their_o step_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n till_o the_o world_n end_n shall_v moses_n affect_v that_o cloud_n so_o much_o which_o lead_v they_o only_o the_o way_n to_o a_o temporal_a inheritance_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o be_v ravish_v with_o delight_n in_o this_o cloud_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 5.7_o in_o all_o estate_n the_o justice_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o what_o be_v the_o hope_n &_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n but_o to_o receive_v at_o last_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1.9_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o period_n of_o this_o walk_n but_o any_o faith_n will_v not_o support_v we_o herein_o some_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n 3.3_o who_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n go_v out_o with_o paul_n for_o a_o while_n but_o at_o length_n return_v with_o demas_n to_o the_o world_n 4.10_o neither_o can_v they_o do_v otherwise_o for_o apostasy_n be_v the_o catastrophe_n of_o hypocrisy_n he_o that_o will_v deceive_v in_o his_o profession_n be_v usual_o deceive_v of_o his_o salvation_n wherefore_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o see_v to_o our_o soul_n that_o our_o faith_n as_o the_o belove_a apostle_n say_v of_o love_n be_v not_o in_o word_n and_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n â—â—_o and_o for_o our_o better_a direction_n in_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v here_o many_o notable_a precedent_n in_o this_o cloud_n of_o witness_n consist_v of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o all_o age_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n all_o which_o show_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n by_o their_o work_n and_o we_o in_o they_o may_v see_v how_o to_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o practice_n now_o the_o rather_o must_v we_o attend_v hereunto_o because_o in_o all_o estate_n we_o must_v practise_v faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o what_o estate_n of_o life_n can_v possible_o befall_v we_o 6._o wherein_o we_o have_v not_o a_o lively_a pattern_n and_o forerunner_n lead_v we_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o cloud_n be_v thou_o a_o king_n or_o magistrate_n behold_v david_n hezechias_n and_o the_o judge_n be_v thou_o a_o courtier_n look_v on_o moses_n be_v thou_o a_o martiall-man_n behold_v samson_n david_n josvah_n here_o be_v enoch_n no_o and_o the_o prophet_n for_o minister_n the_o patriarch_n for_o father_n sara_n and_o the_o shunamite_n for_o mother_n isaac_n and_o joseph_n for_o child_n here_o be_v abel_n for_o shepherd_n and_o rahab_n for_o victualler_n here_o be_v some_o that_o live_v in_o honour_n in_o peace_n and_o plenty_n some_o in_o want_n &_o some_o in_o sickness_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o persecution_n because_o therein_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o faith_n 1.7_o so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v we_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v here_o some_o faithful_a witness_n to_o go_v before_o us._n and_o to_o clear_v their_o step_n the_o better_a to_o our_o sight_n that_o so_o we_o may_v follow_v hard_a towards_o the_o mark_n without_o wander_v 5.14_o we_o have_v here_o a_o notable_a light_n in_o this_o learned_a commentary_n which_o we_o must_v confess_v be_v much_o obscure_v for_o lack_v of_o the_o refine_n hand_n of_o the_o godly_a author_n himself_o but_o now_o see_v that_o shine_a light_n be_v quench_v use_v this_o our_o lamp_n it_o be_v feed_v with_o such_o oil_n as_o we_o receive_v in_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n from_o that_o olive_n tree_n whence_o many_o a_o one_o do_v fill_v his_o vessel_n and_o be_v importune_v to_o expose_v the_o same_o for_o the_o common_a good_a we_o have_v presume_v to_o place_v it_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o your_o honourable_a name_n beseech_v god_n it_o may_v help_v to_o guide_v your_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n 1.79_o the_o religious_a precedent_n of_o your_o honourable_a parent_n right_o noble_a and_o hopeful_a gentleman_n must_v persuade_v you_o much_o to_o be_v sound_n and_o constant_a in_o the_o faith_n for_o decline_v in_o religion_n bring_v end_n stain_n of_o honour_n and_o decay_v 11.11_o even_o of_o temporal_a portion_n but_o labour_v you_o to_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o trust_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o outward_a greatness_n honour_v he_o and_o he_o will_v honour_v you_o delight_n in_o he_o 37.4_o and_o he_o will_v give_v you_o your_o holy_a heart_n desire_v his_o faithfulness_n will_v be_v your_o shield_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o those_o that_o envy_v your_o happiness_n but_o beware_v of_o bad_a example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n which_o be_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o young_a year_n walk_v with_o god_n like_o enoch_n use_v the_o world_n as_o abraham_n do_v 11.5_o and_o follow_v moses_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o delight_n 10._o forsake_v they_o when_o they_o become_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n etc._n so_o shall_v you_o obtain_v good_a report_n 12.39_o and_o your_o memory_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o your_o posterity_n like_o these_o faithful_a witness_n november_n 10._o 1607._o you_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v command_v william_n crashaw_n tho._n pierson_n a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o 11._o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n 1._o now_o faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v concern_v faith_n 2._o point_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o every_o christian_a the_o
and_o we_o seem_v present_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o of_o they_o full_o but_o save_v faith_n have_v this_o power_n to_o give_v they_o all_o a_o present_a be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o such_o a_o real_a possession_n of_o they_o as_o great_o delight_v a_o christian_a soul_n insomuch_o as_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o glory_n though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v overwhelm_v the_o feel_n of_o a_o worldly_a misery_n though_o it_o be_v present_a four_o it_o be_v add_v and_o the_o evidence_n this_o word_n signify_v and_o teach_v we_o two_o thing_n concern_v faith_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o evidence_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v faith_n so_o convince_v the_o mind_n understanding_n and_o judgement_n as_o that_o it_o can_v but_o must_v needs_o yea_o it_o compel_v it_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n unanswerable_a to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n certain_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o be_v whereas_o life_n everlasting_a and_o all_o other_o thing_n hope_v for_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v never_o see_v of_o any_o believer_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v this_o save_a faith_n have_v this_o power_n and_o property_n to_o take_v that_o thing_n in_o itself_o invisible_a and_o never_o yet_o see_v and_o so_o lively_a to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o that_o after_o a_o sort_n he_o present_o see_v and_o enjoy_v that_o invisible_a thing_n and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o sight_n and_o enjoy_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o only_o convince_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v though_o it_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v but_o the_o mind_n as_o far_o as_o god_n word_n have_v reveal_v and_o as_o it_o be_v able_a conceive_v of_o that_o thing_n as_o be_v real_o present_a to_o the_o view_n of_o it_o let_v one_o example_n serve_v for_o all_o life_n everlasting_a be_v a_o thing_n hope_v for_o now_o faith_n not_o only_o by_o infallible_a argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n convince_v a_o man_n judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v insomuch_o as_o he_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o know_v as_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o life_n everlasting_a as_o that_o he_o live_v and_o move_v but_o this_o faith_n also_o as_o much_o as_o god_n word_n have_v reveal_v and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o it_o so_o represent_v this_o life_n everlasting_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o apprehend_v and_o enjoy_v this_o life_n everlasting_a yea_o &_o often_o in_o such_o measure_n as_o that_o he_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o present_a felicity_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o joy_n thereof_o which_o faith_n represent_v to_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o faith_n make_v that_o present_a which_o be_v absent_a and_o make_v that_o manifest_a and_o visible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v invisible_a invisible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n it_o make_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o eye_n be_v both_o give_v and_o continue_v and_o daily_o sharpen_v by_o save_v faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o then_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o this_o first_o effect_n be_v brief_o thus_o much_o whereas_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n resurrection_n glorification_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o yet_o see_v neither_o can_v be_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n certain_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o be_v to_o his_o soul_n in_o that_o both_o his_o judgement_n know_v assure_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o his_o soul_n in_o most_o lively_a and_o joyful_a representation_n seem_v to_o enjoy_v they_o hitherto_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o effect_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o see_v what_o instruction_n this_o first_o effect_n thus_o unfold_v do_v minister_v unto_o us._n first_o whereas_o faith_n give_v a_o substance_n and_o be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o live_v afore_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n if_o any_o allege_v that_o this_o be_v strange_a consider_v that_o christ_n have_v they_o no_o body_n &_o blood_n neither_o have_v he_o any_o until_o the_o incarnation_n &_o how_o they_o can_v they_o receive_v that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a they_o they_o have_v no_o be_v and_o yet_o the_o father_n receive_v they_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v i_o answer_v by_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n to_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o be_v &_o subsistence_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n though_o he_o be_v to_o come_v present_v to_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o old_a time_n for_o apoc._n 13.8_o christ_n be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v slay_v as_o well_o then_o as_o now_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o counsel_n &_o decree_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v bear_v &_o slay_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n nor_o only_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n efficacy_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n but_o also_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n who_o faith_n make_v that_o that_o be_v local_o absent_a after_o a_o sort_n true_o and_o real_o present_a even_o so_o also_o be_v christ_n a_o lamb_n slay_v even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n see_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n hereof_o in_o joh._n 8.5.6_o abraham_n see_v i_o say_v christ_n and_o rejoice_v how_o can_v this_o be_v when_o as_o christ_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o 1000_o year_n after_o ans._n this_o can_v not_o be_v in_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o abraham_n faith_n whereby_o he_o see_v christ_n more_o lively_a and_o more_o to_o his_o joy_n &_o consolation_n so_o many_o 100_o year_n afore_o he_o be_v they_o many_o which_o live_v in_o christ_n time_n and_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o converâ—ed_v with_o he_o for_o they_o live_v with_o he_o yet_o be_v as_o good_a as_o absent_v from_o he_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o and_o abraham_n though_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o he_o yet_o by_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a with_o he_o again_o 1._o cor._n 10.3_o the_o ancient_a believe_v israelite_n eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n how_o can_v they_o eat_v and_o drink_n christ_n so_o long_o afore_o he_o be_v i_o answer_v they_o do_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o wonderful_a power_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a present_a to_o the_o believer_n by_o that_o faith_n they_o receive_v christ_n as_o lively_o as_o effectual_o as_o much_o to_o their_o profit_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o do_v since_o his_o come_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o can_v their_o faith_n apprehend_v that_o that_o then_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v by_o give_v they_o interest_n &_o title_n to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o father_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v receive_v christ_n because_o their_o faith_n give_v they_o right_a and_o title_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o feel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n &_o resurrection_n whereby_o they_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o efficacy_n second_o whereas_o faith_n make_v thing_n absent_a present_a here_o they_o be_v confute_v that_o teach_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v no_o sacrament_n unless_o the_o body_n &_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o true_o turn_v into_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n or_o at_o least_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o bread_n &_o that_o so_o he_o be_v local_o present_a &_o must_v local_o and_o substantial_o be_v receive_v and_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a receive_v of_o christ_n for_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o receive_v one_o absent_a but_o these_o man_n know_v not_o this_o notable_a prerogative_n of_o true_a faith_n faith_n give_v be_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o make_v thing_n present_a which_o be_v absent_a they_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n local_o present_a they_o take_v this_o noble_a prerogative_n from_o faith_n for_o here_o be_v nothing_o absent_a which_o faith_n shall_v make_v present_a we_o need_v not_o go_v in_o this_o sacrament_n to_o require_v a_o
corporal_a presence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o that_o make_v he_o present_a much_o more_o comfortable_o than_o it_o may_v be_v his_o bodily_a presence_n will_v be_v unto_o us._n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o receiver_n know_v best_a and_o yet_o reason_n can_v say_v something_o in_o this_o case_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n look_v earnest_o upon_o a_o star_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o mile_n betwixt_o his_o eye_n &_o the_o star_n yet_o the_o star_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v so_o unite_v together_o as_o that_o the_o star_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n present_a to_o his_o eye_n so_o if_o we_o regard_v local_a distance_n we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o christ_n as_o earth_n be_v from_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o reach_v itself_o to_o christ_n where_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n christ_n be_v present_a and_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v so_o for_o if_o the_o bodily_a eye_n so_o feeble_a and_o weak_a can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o a_o star_n and_o join_v it_o to_o itself_o and_o so_o make_v it_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o much_o more_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n reach_v up_o to_o christ_n &_o make_v he_o present_v to_o the_o comfortable_a feel_n of_o itself_o three_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o a_o strange_a temptation_n whereby_o god_n use_v to_o exercise_v his_o child_n the_o lord_n after_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o child_n into_o his_o favour_n continue_v not_o always_o to_o manifest_v that_o favour_n unto_o they_o but_o often_o time_n pull_v back_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o for_o a_o time_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v show_v it_o again_o in_o more_o comfortable_a manner_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v afterward_o more_o sensible_o feel_v it_o and_o more_o earnest_o love_v it_o and_o more_o careful_o labour_n to_o keep_v it_o when_o they_o have_v it_o now_o for_o the_o time_n of_o this_o eclipse_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n he_o not_o only_o darken_v his_o love_n but_o make_v they_o feel_v also_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o wrath_n as_o that_o they_o will_v often_o think_v themselves_o castawaye_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n david_n and_o joâ—_a be_v often_o exercise_v with_o this_o temptation_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o most_o lamentable_a &_o bitter_a complaint_n yea_o david_n doubt_v not_o psal._n 77.9_o to_o challenge_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n in_o displeasure_n and_o job_n chap._n 13.26_o complain_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n word_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v of_o man_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o indeed_o so_o for_o that_o time_n they_o think_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o so_o as_o we_o feel_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o wrath_n wrestle_v with_o our_o conscience_n neither_o can_v think_v otherwise_o by_o present_a feel_n but_o that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o this_o pitiful_a case_n shall_v we_o despair_v as_o reason_n will_v bid_v we_o no_o but_o take_v this_o course_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n and_o his_o ancient_a former_a love_n and_o cast_v thyself_o upon_o that_o love_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o feel_v it_o when_o thou_o have_v most_o cause_n to_o despair_n then_o labour_v against_o it_o when_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v then_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o power_n for_o remember_v the_o power_n &_o prerogative_n of_o thy_o faith_n it_o believe_v not_o thing_n that_o be_v &_o manifest_o appear_v so_o much_o as_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o &_o have_v no_o be_v so_o then_o when_o god_n favour_n seem_v to_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o have_v no_o be_v to_o thou_o then_o be_v god_n favour_n a_o fit_a object_n for_o thy_o faith_n which_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o let_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n set_v themselves_o against_o thy_o poor_a soul_n and_o if_o thou_o hold_v fast_o this_o faith_n they_o can_v all_o make_v thou_o sink_v under_o it_o for_o when_o the_o devil_n say_v thou_o have_v lose_v god_n favour_n by_o faith_n a_o man_n answer_v though_o god_n favour_n be_v lose_v unto_o my_o feel_n yet_o to_o my_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o my_o faith_n give_v it_o a_o be_v &_o so_o long_o say_v what_o thou_o will_v i_o will_v never_o fear_v that_o it_o be_v lose_v when_o god_n pull_v back_o his_o favour_n and_o fight_v against_o thou_o with_o his_o wrath_n do_v as_o jacob_n do_v gen._n 32.27.29_o wrestle_v with_o god_n though_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o leg_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o little_a spark_n of_o faith_n fight_v with_o that_o little_a faith_n lay_v hold_v by_o it_o on_o god_n and_o let_v he_o not_o go_v until_o he_o have_v bless_v thou_o in_o turn_v again_o unto_o thou_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n and_o say_v with_o job_n 13._o even_o in_o the_o very_a heat_n of_o thy_o temptation_n o_o lord_n though_o thou_o kill_v this_o body_n and_o flesh_n of_o i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o for_o everlasting_a life_n yea_o &_o though_o god_n anger_n shall_v seem_v to_o increase_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o take_v fast_o hold_v and_o faint_v not_o for_o faith_n will_v never_o fail_v thou_o it_o will_v restore_v god_n love_n when_o it_o seem_v lose_v it_o will_v set_v it_o before_o thy_o eye_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v hide_v for_o mark_v well_o but_o this_o one_o reason_n if_o faith_n will_v give_v life_n everlasting_a a_o be_v and_o make_v it_o present_a to_o thy_o soul_n which_o indeed_o yet_o never_o have_v be_v to_o thou_o how_o much_o more_o can_v it_o give_v a_o be_v to_o god_n favour_n and_o make_v it_o present_a to_o thy_o soul_n which_o once_o have_v &_o indeed_o have_v still_o a_o be_v and_o be_v never_o lose_v indeed_o but_o only_o to_o a_o man_n feeling_n thus_o true_a faith_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v this_o temptaation_n whether_o it_o come_v in_o life_n or_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n four_o whereas_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n stand_v not_o in_o doubt_v but_o in_o certainty_n &_o assurance_n the_o romish_a doubt_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o true_a faith_n as_o darkness_n to_o light_v for_o faith_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o that_o be_v it_o convince_v the_o judgement_n by_o unfallible_a argument_n know_v as_o certain_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n &_o of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n but_o rome_n will_v needs_o join_v faith_n &_o doubt_v which_o in_o deed_n fight_v like_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v together_o in_o every_o respect_n but_o one_o will_v in_o the_o end_n destroy_v the_o other_o objection_n but_o it_o seem_v doubt_v be_v a_o part_n or_o at_o least_o a_o companion_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v &_o who_o be_v so_o faithful_a that_o doubt_v not_o answer_n we_o do_v so_o but_o what_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o for_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v &_o not_o to_o doubt_v therefore_o to_o believe_v because_o it_o be_v command_v of_o god_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n then_o to_o doubt_n be_v a_o vice_n faith_n &_o doubt_v be_v both_o in_o a_o good_a man_n but_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n doubt_v be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a man_n five_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o substance_n to_o the_o believer_n if_o it_o give_v those_o thing_n a_o be_v which_o aâ—e_v out_o of_o he_o much_o more_o do_v it_o give_v a_o permanent_a be_v unto_o the_o believer_n himself_o strengthen_v he_o to_o stand_v &_o continue_v in_o all_o assault_n so_o heb._n 3.14_o faith_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v sustain_v &_o uphold_v so_o that_o indeed_o we_o may_v fit_o say_v faith_n be_v the_o spiritual_a substance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a strength_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n such_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o spiritual_a strength_n this_o consideration_n have_v diverse_a comfortable_a use_n but_o especial_o two_o 1._o when_o any_o of_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o temptation_n so_o long_o be_v we_o confident_a of_o our_o
own_o strength_n but_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n then_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o resist_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n than_o we_o dream_v of_o for_o as_o possible_a as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o burn_v or_o fire_n to_o put_v out_o itself_o so_o possible_a be_v it_o for_o we_o of_o ourselves_o to_o resist_v sin_n insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o at_o every_o assault_n our_o nature_n yield_v now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o rule_v over_o one_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v against_o that_o sea_n of_o temptation_n that_o overwhelm_v a_o christian_a life_n this_o doctrine_n teach_v thou_o how_o namely_o to_o stick_v to_o thy_o faith_n and_o it_o will_v do_v it_o for_o thou_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o hope_v for_o which_o yet_o never_o be_v much_o more_o will_v it_o yield_v unto_o thou_o spiritual_a strength_n &_o substance_n to_o make_v thou_o stand_v in_o all_o temptation_n when_o thou_o be_v tempt_v then_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n promise_n believe_v they_o that_o be_v apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o be_v make_v &_o shall_v be_v perform_v even_o to_o thou_o they_o though_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o power_n of_o thyself_o than_o fire_n have_v to_o cease_v to_o burn_v yet_o whilst_o thou_o do_v thus_o thou_o shall_v feel_v thy_o soul_n spiritual_o strengthen_v against_o all_o temptation_n &_o feel_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o deny_v they_o thy_o own_o strength_n &_o magnify_v the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o true_a faith_n again_o though_o now_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o quiet_a under_o our_o own_o vine_n and_o figtree_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o in_o poverty_n sickness_n imprisonment_n banishment_n loss_n famine_n or_o how_o it_o please_v he_o how_o shall_v a_o poor_a christian_a stand_n and_o buckle_v himself_o to_o bear_v these_o i_o answer_v true_a save_a faith_n rest_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o believe_v the_o promise_n not_o formal_o but_o true_o will_v put_v such_o substantial_a spiritual_a strength_n into_o he_o as_o that_o at_o first_o though_o he_o bow_v under_o it_o yet_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v himself_o again_o &_o buckle_v himself_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o his_o profession_n &_o shall_v follow_v christ_n manful_o with_o this_o his_o cross_n this_o wonderful_a power_n have_v god_n give_v to_o save_v faith_n both_o to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o follow_v verse_n 2._o for_o by_o it_o our_o elder_n be_v well_o report_v of_o this_o verse_n contain_v the_o second_o effect_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o mean_n whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n this_o verse_n have_v special_a relation_n to_o the_o five_o verse_n for_o that_o that_o be_v say_v here_o of_o all_o the_o elder_n in_o general_a be_v there_o affirm_v special_o of_o enoch_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v report_v of_o to_o have_v please_v god_n let_v we_o first_o search_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n that_o be_v all_o such_o man_n as_o live_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n among_o which_o though_o all_o be_v understand_v yet_o some_o be_v more_o excellent_a in_o faith_n &_o obedience_n than_o other_o &_o so_o more_o honourable_a and_o of_o high_a estimation_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o they_o it_o be_v special_o understand_v now_o concern_v these_o elder_n it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o they_o be_v well_o report_v of_o hereby_o be_v mean_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o 2._o that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n 3._o that_o god_n give_v a_o testimony_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o be_v they_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v he_o in_o who_o the_o father_n be_v well_o please_v 3.17_o now_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o make_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o contrariwise_o his_o holiness_n obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o imputation_n make_v they_o now_o that_o be_v they_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o christ_n can_v not_o but_o also_o for_o christ_n sake_n approve_v of_o they_o if_o this_o seem_v hard_a unto_o any_o i_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o this_o comparison_n look_v as_o jacob_n a_o young_a brother_n put_v on_o esau_n garment_n the_o elder_a brother_n &_o in_o it_o be_v take_v for_o esau_n &_o obtain_v his_o father_n blessing_n &_o patrimony_n which_o by_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o have_v get_v even_o so_o we_o be_v as_o young_a brethren_n christ_n be_v our_o elder_a brother_n we_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o our_o father_n blessing_n nor_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o garment_n of_o christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o stand_v clothe_v with_o 〈◊〉_d purchase_v our_o father_n favour_n and_o with_o his_o favour_n his_o bleâ—â—â—ng_n and_o his_o blessing_n be_v the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o thus_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v approve_v second_o for_o what_o be_v they_o approve_v the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n not_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o be_v humility_n love_n fear_v of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n as_o faith_n be_v but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a instrument_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o be_v justify_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o justification_n by_o it_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v approve_v 3._o the_o text_n add_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o testify_v and_o make_v it_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o this_o testimony_n god_n give_v of_o they_o 1._o in_o his_o word_n 2._o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o not_o only_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o often_o also_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n have_v mâ—de_v such_o honourable_a mention_n and_o give_v such_o honourable_a title_n unto_o many_o of_o these_o elder_n call_v abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n 2._o chron._n 20.7_o and_o david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n â—_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o they_o all_o his_o anoint_a and_o dear_a choose_a child_n psalm_n 105.15_o thus_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n 2._o god_n testify_v it_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n inward_o to_o assure_v their_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v accept_v they_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o thus_o these_o elder_n receive_v a_o testimony_n both_o outward_a to_o all_o the_o world_n &_o inward_a to_o their_o conscience_n that_o god_n in_o christ_n approve_v and_o love_v they_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a the_o use_n hereof_o manifold_a 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v these_o elder_n be_v approve_v by_o faith_n here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a way_n the_o right_a and_o straight_o way_n that_o have_v no_o byway_n to_o life_n everlasting_a namely_o this_o only_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o all_o the_o ancient_a elder_n walk_v to_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v open_v &_o make_v unto_o his_o court_n it_o be_v the_o king_n high_a way_n the_o beat_a way_n common_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v how_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o &_o deceive_v none_o that_o ever_o go_v in_o it_o &_o beside_o which_o there_o be_v no_o other_o see_v then_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o &_o our_o elder_n have_v tread_v this_o way_n before_o we_o let_v we_o follow_v they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v attain_v that_o kingdom_n whereto_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o if_o any_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o way_n or_o no_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n isaiah_n 30.21_o first_o affirm_v peremptory_o this_o be_v the_o way_n second_o bid_v we_o therefore_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o this_o be_v
with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o might_n and_o for_o that_o he_o be_v prefer_v afore_o all_o king_n afore_o or_o after_o he_o not_o that_o josias_n can_v fulfil_v the_o law_n perfect_o as_o it_o require_v but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o endeavour_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o which_o he_o strave_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v his_o exsample_n be_v we_o we_o profess_v religion_n we_o must_v look_v that_o our_o heart_n affect_v it_o we_o profess_v a_o turn_n from_o sin_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n it_o be_v not_o formal_a and_o from_o the_o lip_n but_o from_o the_o heart_n so_o when_o we_o practise_v any_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o we_o pray_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v we_o must_v not_o do_v they_o cold_o and_o careless_o but_o with_o zealous_a affection_n and_o resolution_n from_o the_o heart_n otherwise_o if_o we_o serve_v god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v on_o the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o curse_a cain_n and_o we_o with_o our_o formal_a religion_n shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o abel_n that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o little_a yet_o let_v it_o be_v the_o best_a we_o can_v and_o all_o we_o can_v and_o god_n will_v accept_v we_o as_o he_o do_v abel_n and_o thus_o the_o parent_n shall_v give_v god_n his_o best_a child_n the_o young_a man_n his_o best_a year_n every_o man_n his_o best_a part_n which_o be_v his_o heart_n and_o thus_o we_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o holy_a abel_n who_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o best_a sacrifice_n he_o have_v this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n even_o so_o that_o parent_n that_o young_a man_n that_o professor_n that_o have_v true_a faith_n will_v do_v so_o likewise_o hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o abel_n faith_n it_o follow_v by_o the_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a this_o be_v the_o second_o effect_n of_o abel_n faith_n whereby_o it_o be_v commend_v 1._o for_o the_o meaning_n by_o faith_n he_o mean_v save_v faith_n which_o make_v a_o man_n just_a before_o god_n and_o no_o other_o for_o whereas_o he_o have_v say_v afore_o that_o by_o faith_n our_o elder_n have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n he_o prove_v that_o general_a by_o this_o exsample_n of_o abel_n therefore_o that_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v mean_v there_o be_v also_o mean_v here_o these_o word_n set_v down_o two_o benefit_n which_o abel_n have_v by_o his_o save_a faith_n first_o he_o be_v just_a by_o it_o second_o god_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v so_o for_o the_o first_o abel_n faith_n make_v he_o just_a and_o righteous_a not_o because_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o excellent_a quality_n of_o that_o virtue_n in_o itself_o as_o to_o make_v he_o just_a but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n whereby_o he_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v whereby_o he_o may_v stand_v just_a before_o god_n this_o be_v his_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v by_o faith_n for_o he_o trust_v not_o to_o any_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o though_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n he_o know_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o that_o man_n who_o once_o be_v perfect_o righteous_a but_o the_o trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o bless_a seed_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n this_o promise_n he_o know_v believe_v it_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o this_o faith_n make_v he_o righteous_a here_o we_o learn_v a_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o the_o true_a and_o the_o undoubted_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n righteous_a &_o that_o righteousness_n open_v he_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n to_o this_o end_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n but_o by_o who_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 5.1_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o former_a exhortation_n which_o indeed_o can_v be_v too_o often_o presle_v to_o the_o conscience_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o so_o vile_a none_o so_o profane_a but_o we_o desire_v salvation_n if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o must_v tread_v the_o beat_a way_n to_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v heir_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o come_v thither_o by_o chance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o way_n that_o must_v be_v take_v &_o that_o way_n be_v but_o one_o all_o other_o be_v mislead_v byway_n again_o that_o way_n must_v be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n else_o it_o be_v too_o late_o now_o this_o way_n be_v to_o be_v a_o just_a &_o righteous_a man_n with_o this_o never_o man_n fail_v and_o without_o this_o never_o man_n attain_v to_o salvation_n for_o 21.27_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v come_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n never_o be_v man_n justify_v there_o which_o be_v not_o just_a before_o and_o that_o must_v be_v here_o begin_v which_o in_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o this_o life_n therefore_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v just_a now_o our_o own_o good_a work_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o make_v we_o just_a for_o they_o be_v all_o unable_a to_o endure_v the_o trial_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o if_o we_o stand_v to_o they_o and_o they_o prove_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n then_o in_o stead_n of_o save_v we_o they_o will_v condemn_v us._n therefore_o with_o abel_n let_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o cleave_v only_o to_o christ_n righteousness_n in_o life_n &_o death_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o never_o will_v deceive_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n i_o answer_v he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n may_v be_v trace_v by_o his_o step_n so_o then_o show_v your_o step_n of_o holiness_n of_o devotion_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n these_o must_v show_v your_o faith_n leave_v these_o step_n behind_o you_o and_o then_o your_o faith_n be_v good_a thus_o do_v holy_a abel_n believe_v thou_o it_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o follow_v thou_o after_o he_o and_o renounce_v all_o by_o path_n which_o the_o papist_n or_o thy_o own_o brain_n imagine_v let_v this_o one_o doctrine_n sink_v into_o thy_o heart_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o and_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n strike_v it_o out_o for_o if_o thou_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n my_o soul_n for_o thou_o it_o will_v bring_v thou_o to_o heaven_n if_o not_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v condemn_v thou_o because_o it_o show_v thou_o this_o way_n and_o thou_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o it_o second_o observe_v he_o say_v abel_n be_v approve_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n how_o prove_v he_o that_o because_o his_o work_n please_v god_n as_o who_o say_v his_o work_n can_v please_v god_n unless_o his_o person_n do_v therefore_o in_o that_o his_o work_n do_v thence_o he_o conclude_v that_o his_o person_n do_v it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o infallible_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v we_o a_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n namely_o that_o first_o a_o man_n person_n must_v please_v god_n afore_o his_o action_n can_v and_o after_o the_o person_n than_o the_o action_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o these_o word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o first_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a himself_n and_o then_o god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n so_o likewise_o more_o plain_o genesis_n 4._o 4_o god_n have_v respect_n first_o to_o abel_n and_o then_o to_o his_o offering_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_a no_o work_n please_v god_n afore_o the_o worker_n do_v this_o be_v so_o have_v excellent_a use_n first_o it_o overthrow_v a_o main_a pillar_n of_o romish_a religion_n justification_n by_o work_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n when_o he_o himself_o must_v be_v just_a afore_o the_o work_n can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v just_a his_o work_n be_v wicked_a if_o they_o be_v wicked_a afore_o his_o person_n be_v just_a how_o can_v they_o then_o justify_v he_o and_o if_o the_o person_n be_v once_o just_a what_o need_v it_o then_o to_o be_v again_o justify_v by_o work_n good_a work_n make_v not_o a_o man_n good_a but_o a_o good_a man_n make_v a_o work_n good_a &_o shall_v that_o work_n that_o a_o man_n make_v good_a return_v again_o &_o make_v the_o man_n good_a 1._o that_o be_v absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o 2._o
therefore_o go_v to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o second_o see_v man_n may_v be_v christian_n in_o profession_n and_o atheist_n in_o practice_n let_v we_o all_o look_n narrow_o to_o ourselves_o and_o join_v with_o our_o profession_n conscience_n and_o obedience_n for_o else_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o worse_o we_o be_v it_o may_v please_v god_n after_o to_o give_v we_o better_a mind_n but_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o denier_v of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o come_v near_o god_n in_o profession_n and_o in_o his_o outward_a service_n yet_o indeed_o we_o be_v far_o from_o he_o because_o we_o want_v that_o true_a faith_n which_o must_v profess_v god_n not_o in_o judgement_n alone_o but_o in_o practice_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v we_o near_o unto_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o god_n and_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a sentence_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o comfortable_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o part_n be_v natural_o two_o 1._o how_o a_o man_n do_v seek_v god_n 2._o how_o god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o the_o first_o a_o man_n true_o seek_v god_n by_o do_v four_o action_n first_o a_o man_n must_v forsake_v himself_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o seek_v god_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o that_o may_v be_v i_o answer_v thus_o a_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o see_v his_o sin_n full_o and_o distinct_o and_o in_o sight_n thereof_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o debt_n then_o let_v he_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v in_o himself_o any_o ability_n to_o pay_v those_o debt_n or_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o satisfy_v god_n â—ustice_n and_o purchase_v pardon_n and_o if_o upon_o due_a examination_n he_o find_v none_o at_o all_o no_o not_o the_o least_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o a_o accuse_v and_o rage_a conscience_n let_v he_o then_o fall_v out_o of_o all_o love_n with_o himself_o nay_o hate_v and_o abhor_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o baseness_n and_o last_o let_v he_o despair_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n in_o or_o from_o himself_o and_o thus_o do_v he_o forsake_v himself_o deny_v himself_o and_o even_o lose_v himself_o and_o thus_o necessary_o must_v he_o do_v to_o himself_o that_o will_v set_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o none_o that_o hope_v to_o find_v help_n at_o any_o hand_n but_o he_o they_o therefore_o that_o seek_v god_n but_o will_v seek_v themselves_o too_o do_v just_o loose_v both_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o he_o that_o will_v seek_v god_n aright_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v himself_o must_v hunger_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n not_o after_o wealth_n and_o honour_n ease_n or_o pleasure_n but_o after_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o one_o drop_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n and_o stain_n of_o his_o defile_a and_o sinful_a soul_n must_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o then_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n of_o ten_o world_n look_v how_o a_o hungry_a soul_n hunger_n after_o meat_n and_o a_o fainty_a soul_n thirst_v after_o drink_n so_o must_v his_o soul_n hunger_n after_o god_n mercy_n and_o thirst_n for_o christ_n blood_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_a for_o as_o a_o man_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_v so_o he_o that_o undertake_v the_o journey_n to_o go_v seek_v the_o lord_n must_v have_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o diet_n of_o his_o poor_a soul_n god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o he_o that_o seek_v without_o a_o soul_n hunger_a after_o these_o may_v seek_v long_o and_o find_v nothing_o three_o if_o he_o will_v true_o seek_v god_n he_o must_v not_o go_v in_o every_o path_n but_o take_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n nor_o take_v any_o guide_n but_o trust_v to_o christ_n spirit_n alone_o to_o be_v his_o guide_n nor_o make_v many_o mediator_n or_o messenger_n to_o god_n but_o make_v christ_n alone_o to_o god_n the_o father_n we_o must_v therefore_o go_v to_o he_o and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o &_o leave_v our_o suit_n to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o run_v on_o pilgrimage_n to_o this_o or_o that_o saint_n picture_n or_o bone_n or_o to_o our_o lady_n of_o loreto_n many_o have_v seek_v god_n in_o these_o but_o who_o ever_o find_v he_o nay_o alas_o thou_o may_v lodge_v in_o her_o forge_a tabernacle_n at_o loreto_n all_o thy_o life_n and_o lie_v in_o hell_n for_o all_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o may_v kiss_v all_o the_o saint_n picture_n and_o bone_n and_o hair_n and_o all_o their_o relic_n in_o spain_n and_o italy_n and_o all_o can_v get_v thou_o one_o sight_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n nor_o again_o must_v we_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o our_o good_a work_n though_o we_o be_v to_o do_v they_o they_o be_v good_a mark_n in_o the_o way_n and_o good_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a way_n but_o they_o can_v open_v heaven_n and_o let_v thou_o in_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o thou_o can_v thou_o must_v forsake_v they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o come_n to_o god_n only_o thou_o must_v go_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o alone_o he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n the_o life_n and_o certain_o never_o man_v find_v god_n that_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o christ_n alone_o and_o when_o popish_a device_n and_o distinction_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v man_n will_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o christ_n to_o speak_v truth_n say_v no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o last_o when_o all_o these_o be_v do_v then_o must_v thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v thy_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thou_o in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o if_o thou_o seek_v god_n in_o christ_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o three_o former_a thing_n thou_o may_v safe_o and_o assure_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v true_o seek_v god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o lively_a faith_n thou_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o find_v god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n lose_v himself_o long_o after_o god_n mercy_n take_v christ_n alone_o for_o his_o guide_n and_o mediator_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n than_o he_o seek_v god_n aright_o and_o to_o this_o seek_v belong_v a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n here_o be_v some_o light_n give_v to_o a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o doctrine_n true_o catholic_a or_o erroneous_a and_o fail_v in_o fundamental_a point_n for_o answer_v can_v that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n or_o that_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v not_o her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o right_a way_n but_o send_v they_o into_o 1000_o byway_n sure_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n then_o search_v all_o the_o popish_a doctor_n and_o almost_o all_o their_o writer_n and_o see_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o seek_v god_n quite_o in_o another_o walk_n which_o way_n of_o they_o whether_o be_v ordinary_o bring_v the_o seeker_n to_o god_n or_o no_o we_o leave_v to_o god_n merciful_a judgement_n but_o for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o christ_n to_o god_n by_o the_o son_n to_o the_o father_n let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o
for_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o that_o wicked_a age_n wherein_o all_o the_o world_n welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o great_a holiness_n when_o no_o man_n care_v for_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o special_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o first_o of_o all_o reveal_v to_o righteous_a noah_n that_o purpose_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o revelation_n which_o noah_n have_v from_o god_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o genesis_n for_o this_o message_n come_v not_o from_o god_n by_o any_o prophet_n for_o we_o know_v none_o in_o those_o evil_a day_n except_o noah_n himself_o but_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o else_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o favour_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n not_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a excellent_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o noah_n to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o counsel_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o come_v we_o learn_v that_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o he_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n whether_o they_o be_v purpose_n of_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o of_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n thus_o deal_v he_o with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v which_o thing_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o so_o when_o the_o sodomite_n live_v in_o wanton_a carelessness_n and_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n than_o abraham_n know_v from_o god_n their_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o as_o in_o that_o for_o be_v it_o general_o true_a in_o all_o his_o great_a work_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n of_o prophet_n alone_o or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n as_o abraham_n be_v but_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psalm_n 25.14_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v god_n friend_n and_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o not_o abraham_n only_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2.23_o but_o of_o all_o true_a believer_n say_v christ_n john_n 15.14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o i_o command_v you_o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v my_o secret_n unto_o you_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v unto_o another_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o know_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 2.15_o a_o faithful_a and_o a_o holy_a man_n discern_v into_o the_o deep_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o sometime_o more_o as_o here_o unto_o noah_n who_o be_v forewarn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n then_o not_o see_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o caution_n first_o that_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o prophet_n and_o holy_a minister_n of_o god_n then_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o object_n then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o christ_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o for_o first_o we_o be_v recompense_v by_o have_v the_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o complete_a which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o by_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o shadow_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n in_o which_o respect_v our_o state_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o and_o second_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v they_o indeed_o have_v more_o ordinary_a revelation_n of_o matter_n personal_a and_o private_a and_o not_o direct_o touch_v salvation_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v general_a and_o do_v necessary_o concern_v salvation_n we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o more_o full_a revelation_n than_o they_o have_v afore_o christ._n for_o exsample_n particular_a mercy_n to_o some_o faithful_a man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n on_o god_n enemy_n whether_o particular_a man_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v after_o reveal_v to_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o day_n as_o here_o to_o noah_n but_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v save_v his_o church_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v now_o then_o in_o those_o day_n out_o of_o which_o consideration_n arise_v the_o three_o caution_n which_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v expect_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v ordinary_o nothing_o else_o but_o these_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n &_o a_o discern_a of_o true_a scripture_n from_o forge_a of_o true_a sacrament_n from_o suppose_a of_o true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a of_o true_a pastor_n from_o false_a prophet_n these_o &_o such_o like_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o true_a and_o faithful_a believer_n which_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a heart_n by_o devoute_a prayer_n do_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o purpose_n of_o god_n of_o personal_a and_o particular_a matter_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o blessing_n or_o what_o his_o judgement_n to_o these_o and_o these_o man_n family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o when_o or_o how_o he_o will_v change_v state_n or_o translate_v kingdom_n or_o by_o what_o extraordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v have_v his_o gospel_n propagate_v or_o a_o decline_a church_n or_o state_n uphold_v these_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o easy_o to_o believe_v any_o that_o shall_v say_v such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o tie_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o straight_a bond_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sometime_o extraordinary_o reveal_v his_o purpose_n therein_o to_o some_o his_o select_a servant_n yet_o provide_v that_o that_o revelation_n be_v examine_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n spirit_n do_v most_o comfortable_o reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v double_a for_o instruction_n and_o for_o exhortation_n for_o our_o instruction_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o ask_v we_o how_o do_v we_o know_v true_a religion_n from_o erroneous_a or_o true_a scripture_n or_o sacrament_n from_o forge_a we_o answer_v first_o by_o itself_o by_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o as_o we_o know_v gold_n from_o brass_n or_o silver_n from_o lead_n but_o what_o if_o the_o brass_n or_o tin_n be_v gild_v over_o i_o then_o answer_v second_o we_o can_v know_v gold_n from_o brass_n and_o silver_n from_o tin_n by_o the_o sound_n and_o smell_v and_o hardness_n to_o endure_v and_o by_o the_o operation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a sound_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o taste_v in_o true_a religion_n a_o spiritual_a operation_n in_o holy_a man_n heart_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n but_o what_o if_o false_a prophet_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o lie_a wonder_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o same_o sound_n taste_n smell_v virtue_n and_o operation_n unto_o their_o forgery_n or_o at_o least_o challenge_v it_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v last_o then_o we_o know_v true_a religion_n true_a scripture_n true_a sacrament_n true_a prophet_n true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a by_o a_o holy_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n spirit_n which_o by_o evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n assure_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o in_o true_a humility_n do_v seek_v it_o in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o in_o a_o
world_n shall_v be_v destroy_v seem_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v because_o it_o never_o have_v be_v second_o it_o seem_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n mercy_n shall_v be_v so_o whole_o swallow_v up_o of_o his_o justice_n three_o they_o must_v live_v in_o the_o ark_n as_o in_o a_o close_a prison_n without_o comfort_n of_o light_n or_o fresh_a air_n and_o among_o beast_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o long_o now_o reason_n will_v tell_v he_o he_o have_v better_o die_v with_o man_n then_o live_v with_o beast_n and_o better_o die_v a_o free_a man_n and_o at_o liberty_n then_o live_v a_o prisoner_n and_o better_o die_v with_o company_n then_o live_v alone_o and_o that_o if_o god_n have_v purpose_v to_o save_v he_o he_o can_v have_v use_v other_o mean_n and_o more_o easy_a more_o direct_a &_o more_o safe_a than_o this_o that_o therefore_o his_o deliverance_n be_v to_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o last_o reason_n will_v say_v i_o may_v make_v myself_o a_o gaze_a and_o mock_v stock_n to_o the_o world_n for_o 120._o year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v then_o god_n purpose_n will_v be_v alter_v &_o no_o flood_n will_v come_v or_o if_o it_o come_v &_o i_o go_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o it_o chance_v to_o break_v against_o the_o mountain_n so_o that_o i_o perish_v with_o the_o rest_n then_o be_o i_o worst_a of_o all_o who_o perish_v notwithstanding_o all_o my_o labour_n therefore_o i_o have_v better_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o take_v my_o venture_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n these_o doubtless_o and_o many_o such_o natural_a consideration_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n and_o stand_v up_o as_o so_o many_o impediment_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o behold_v the_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n it_o overgo_v all_o doubt_n it_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n &_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o gâ—ues_v a_o man_n wing_n with_o which_o to_o fly_v over_o all_o carnal_a objection_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o here_o in_o nooh_o and_o afterward_o shall_v as_o clear_o see_v it_o in_o abraham_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o many_o man_n faith_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n go_v currant_n with_o our_o natural_a affection_n or_o seem_v plausible_a to_o our_o nature_n we_o do_v formal_o obey_v it_o but_o if_o it_o cross_v our_o affection_n or_o go_v beyond_o our_o reason_n or_o control_v our_o natural_a disposition_n than_o we_o spurn_v against_o it_o we_o call_v it_o into_o question_n we_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o and_o deny_v our_o obedience_n here_o want_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n which_o carry_v he_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n and_o reach_v of_o reason_n and_o make_v he_o believe_v and_o do_v that_o which_o neither_o nature_n can_v allow_v nor_o reason_n like_o of_o &_o which_o will_v be_v displease_v to_o his_o natural_a affection_n let_v we_o therefore_o learn_v to_o practise_v true_a faith_n by_o believe_v forthwith_o what_o god_n shall_v say_v unto_o we_o without_o ask_v advice_n or_o hear_v the_o objection_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n god_n threaten_v in_o time_n past_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o great_a monarchy_n of_o the_o assyrian_n chaldean_n persian_n grecian_n roman_n reason_n do_v make_v doubt_n how_o it_o can_v be_v but_o faith_n believe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v do_v god_n in_o late_a time_n threaten_v the_o fall_n of_o abbey_n and_o disperse_v of_o monk_n for_o their_o wickedness_n it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o reason_n yet_o faith_n in_o some_o believe_v it_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v god_n now_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o new_a find_v hierarchy_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o glitter_v so_o in_o worldly_a glory_n and_o in_o outward_a strength_n this_o seem_v hard_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v but_o let_v faith_n believe_v it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o his_o season_n god_n have_v say_v that_o our_o body_n shall_v rise_v again_o even_o these_o body_n which_o be_v burn_v to_o ash_n or_o eat_v of_o beast_n or_o fish_n or_o turn_v to_o dust_n in_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o nature_n a_o amazement_n to_o reason_n but_o faith_n will_v believe_v it_o and_o shall_v find_v it_o true_a for_o god_n have_v say_v it_o god_n say_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o sacrament_n true_o and_o real_o present_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian._n carnal_a sense_n deny_v this_o and_o natural_a reason_n know_v not_o how_o but_o ask_v with_o the_o capernait_n how_o can_v he_o give_v we_o his_o flesh_n to_o eat_v but_o faith_n believe_v it_o and_o know_v how_o though_o to_o outward_a sense_n it_o can_v be_v express_v and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o divine_a speech_n use_v by_o holy_a martyr_n who_o be_v ask_v how_o christ_n can_v be_v eat_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o with_o the_o tooth_n answer_v my_o faith_n know_v how_o god_n say_v wicked_a man_n though_o they_o flourish_v never_o so_o be_v miserable_a and_o good_a man_n be_v bless_v above_o all_o other_o reason_n and_o worldly_a experience_n say_v this_o be_v false_a but_o true_a faith_n believe_v it_o and_o find_v it_o true_a for_o never_o do_v any_o child_n of_o god_n desire_v to_o change_v his_o estate_n with_o the_o mighty_a or_o wealthy_a wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n god_n say_v he_o that_o will_v follow_v christ_n must_v deny_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o desire_n and_o follow_v christ_n in_o bitterness_n and_o affliction_n nature_n say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a lesson_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o faith_n believe_v it_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o endeavour_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o god_n have_v so_o command_v such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o true_a faith_n four_o and_o last_o out_o of_o this_o action_n and_o obedience_n of_o noah_n mark_v a_o special_a lesson_n god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o assure_v he_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o make_v a_o ark_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o noah_n though_o he_o know_v god_n will_v save_v he_o yet_o be_v persuade_v he_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n or_o else_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v he_o may_v have_v say_v to_o himself_o god_n have_v say_v and_o bind_v himself_o by_o covenant_n he_o will_v save_v i_o now_o if_o i_o make_v not_o the_o ark_n yet_o his_o word_n be_v his_o word_n and_o he_o will_v stand_v to_o it_o his_o will_n can_v be_v alter_v though_o i_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v true_a though_o i_o do_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v yet_o he_o will_v do_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o therefore_o i_o will_v spare_v my_o labour_n and_o cost_v of_o make_v the_o ark_n especial_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o mockery_n and_o so_o ridiculous_a to_o reason_n but_o noah_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o will_v not_o sever_v god_n word_n from_o his_o mean_n he_o depend_v on_o god_n word_n for_o his_o safety_n but_o not_o on_o his_o bare_a word_n without_o the_o mean_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o he_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o though_o he_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o though_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v from_o god_n himself_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v to_o a_o man_n by_o his_o name_n thou_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o here_o be_v say_v to_o noah_n for_o his_o deliverance_n for_o to_o he_o say_v god_n i_o will_v destroy_v all_o flesh_n but_o with_o thou_o i_o will_v make_v my_o covenant_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v deliver_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o noah_n judge_v that_o if_o he_o use_v not_o the_o mean_n if_o he_o make_v not_o a_o ark_n he_o be_v to_o look_v for_o no_o deliverance_n this_o be_v noah_n divinity_n contrary_a both_o to_o the_o divinity_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o in_o this_o age_n who_o say_v if_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o may_v live_v as_o i_o list_v and_o though_o i_o live_v as_o i_o list_v yet_o if_o in_o the_o end_n i_o can_v say_v lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o i_o be_o safe_a enough_o but_o noah_n will_v not_o trust_v his_o body_n on_o such_o condition_n though_o they_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o trust_v their_o soul_n let_v such_o man_n be_v assure_v god_n in_o his_o decree_n have_v tie_v the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n together_o let_v not_o therefore_o man_n separate_v what_o god_n
of_o it_o the_o author_n and_o first_o deviser_n for_o noah_n make_v not_o this_o ark_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o he_o be_v the_o first_o practiser_n for_o god_n himself_o perform_v all_o those_o service_n unto_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n else_o it_o have_v never_o save_v he_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o more_o grief_n to_o see_v that_o worthy_a call_n so_o abuse_v and_o debase_v as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o of_o they_o that_o practice_n it_o be_v profane_a ungodly_a and_o dissolute_a man_n such_o man_n shall_v remember_v god_n make_v the_o first_o ship_n and_o god_n be_v the_o first_o master_n and_o the_o first_o mariner_n the_o first_o pilot_n the_o first_o governor_n of_o a_o ship_n and_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o few_o calling_n which_o may_v say_v god_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o deviser_n and_o practiser_n of_o it_o all_o calling_n can_v say_v so_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o so_o far_o forget_v who_o they_o succeed_v indeed_o upon_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o distress_n they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v they_o come_v ashore_o what_o swear_v what_o whore_v what_o drunkenness_n among_o they_o but_o let_v they_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v so_o profane_a which_o hold_v the_o place_n which_o once_o god_n himself_o hold_v or_o else_o let_v they_o know_v they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o so_o good_a a_o call_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o mean_n how_o the_o ark_n can_v save_v he_o and_o his_o household_n namely_o because_o god_n do_v govern_v it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ark_n it_o be_v to_o save_v this_o holy_a man_n and_o his_o household_n learn_v here_o that_o god_n servant_n in_o common_a calamity_n have_v safety_n for_o god_n himself_o give_v they_o security_n and_o provide_v deliverance_n thus_o be_v it_o ever_o when_o god_n proceed_v in_o judgement_n against_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o sin_n thereof_o he_o mark_v the_o godly_a in_o their_o forehead_n namely_o such_o as_o mourn_v and_o cry_v for_o the_o abomination_n which_o be_v do_v against_o god_n ezech._n 9.4_o when_o sodom_n must_v be_v destroy_v righteous_a lot_n and_o his_o family_n must_v be_v draw_v out_o nay_o the_o angel_n can_v do_v nothing_o till_o he_o be_v safe_a genesis_n 19.16.22_o when_o the_o destroy_a angel_n go_v over_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o every_o house_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o israelite_n dwell_v among_o they_o he_o pass_v over_o all_o the_o israelite_n who_o door_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n exodus_fw-la 12.13_o and_o even_o so_o he_o who_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n no_o calamity_n can_v do_v he_o hurt_v nay_o when_o other_o be_v smite_v he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o our_o church_n and_o state_n we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n long_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o both_o under_o a_o gracious_a government_n and_o with_o these_o many_o other_o blessing_n yet_o speak_v truth_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n call_v for_o a_o flood_n as_o in_o noah_n time_n and_o sure_o a_o flood_n of_o tribulation_n must_v come_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o this_o be_v always_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n now_o peace_n now_o persecution_n peace_n abuse_v cause_v trouble_v and_o calamity_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v so_o long_o have_v peace_n and_o ease_n so_o assure_o look_v for_o a_o flood_n what_o it_o will_v be_v or_o when_o know_v no_o man_n only_o he_o who_o will_v send_v it_o the_o righteous_a and_o almighty_a god_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o the_o flood_n of_o tribulation_n be_v upon_o we_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o one_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n settle_v thy_o heart_n in_o true_a faith_n repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n get_v god_n favour_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o when_o the_o flood_n come_v god_n providence_n shall_v afford_v thou_o one_o way_n or_o other_o a_o ark_n of_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n sprinkle_v thy_o soul_n now_o with_o christ_n blood_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o destroy_a angel_n of_o god_n wrath_n shall_v pass_v over_o thou_o and_o thy_o household_n three_o observe_v the_o largeness_n of_o god_n bounty_n not_o only_o noah_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o with_o he_o his_o household_n also_o why_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o there_o be_v diverse_a reason_n first_o for_o the_o propagation_n and_o multiplication_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n if_o any_o object_n noah_n and_o his_o wife_n may_v have_v serve_v for_o that_o end_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v old_a for_o he_o be_v 600._o year_n old_a when_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o though_o he_o live_v 300._o year_n after_o the_o flood_n genesis_n 9.28_o yet_o read_v we_o not_o of_o any_o child_n that_o he_o have_v if_o any_o further_a object_n the_o first_o world_n be_v begin_v and_o multiply_v by_o two_o alone_a adam_z &_o eve_n &_o no_o more_o why_o then_o shall_v there_o be_v so_o many_o for_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o world_n i_o answer_v god_n do_v so_o in_o the_o beginning_n to_o show_v that_o all_o mankind_n come_v of_o one_o blood_n acts._n 17.26_o and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o body_n or_o birth_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n original_o betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n which_o also_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o the_o second_o beginning_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v multiply_v by_o three_o brethren_n shem_n cham_n and_o japheth_n yet_o those_o three_o be_v not_o stranger_n but_o all_o son_n to_o one_o man_n noah_n so_o that_o as_o at_o first_o by_o adam_n and_o eve_n so_o after_o from_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n come_v all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o world_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o line_n than_o one_o because_o now_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v promise_v who_o line_n and_o kindred_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v distinct_a from_o all_o other_o until_o his_o incarnation_n again_o there_o be_v more_o cause_n now_o why_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v speedy_o replenish_v then_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o first_o the_o earth_n have_v some_o glory_n and_o beauty_n leave_v it_o after_o the_o first_o curse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v still_o a_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a habitation_n to_o adam_n and_o eue._n but_o now_o by_o the_o second_o curse_n in_o the_o flood_n all_o her_o beauty_n be_v go_v she_o and_o all_o her_o glory_n be_v overrun_v spoil_v and_o deface_v so_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o miserable_a habitation_n for_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n if_o they_o have_v be_v without_o company_n second_o the_o earth_n be_v much_o deface_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o almost_o quite_o perish_v by_o the_o flood_n have_v now_o more_o need_n to_o be_v recover_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o help_n of_o many_o man_n labour_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o scripture_n say_v gen._n 9.19_o &_o 10.32_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o three_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o they_o live_v not_o all_o together_o but_o overspread_v the_o earth_n and_o lest_o the_o beast_n which_o then_o be_v many_o shall_v overgrowe_v the_o world_n therefore_o god_n will_v have_v the_o earth_n speedy_o replenish_v &_o to_o that_o end_n noah_n &_o his_o wife_n have_v never_o a_o servant_n in_o the_o ark_n but_o only_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v child_n their_o 3._o son_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o thus_o the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n why_o god_n save_v noah_n child_n the_o second_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o as_o himself_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n so_o they_o of_o his_o family_n be_v more_o orderly_a and_o religious_a than_o other_o of_o that_o wicked_a age_n for_o good_a man_n make_v conscience_n of_o teach_v their_o family_n as_o abraham_n gen._n 18.18_o and_o see_v noah_n be_v commend_v for_o a_o just_a &_o good_a man_n doubtless_o he_o do_v careful_o instruct_v his_o household_n &_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a person_n fear_v god_n three_o though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o righteous_a yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o righteous_a noah_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o be_v save_v all_o be_v his_o child_n or_o his_o child_n wife_n for_o the_o righteous_a man_n procure_v blessing_n not_o on_o himself_o alone_o but_o on_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o he_o dwell_v with_o he_o or_o be_v in_o his_o
believe_v against_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v commend_v to_o all_o age_n for_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v therefore_o but_o a_o vain_a flourish_n of_o the_o papist_n to_o press_v we_o so_o much_o with_o their_o multitude_n and_o universality_n and_o consent_n and_o unity_n and_o succession_n &_o continuance_n for_o all_o this_o be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o long_o as_o they_o first_o prove_v not_o that_o that_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n which_o these_o multitude_n hold_v have_v his_o ground_n from_o god_n word_n till_o then_o all_o the_o other_o be_v vanity_n for_o it_o be_v better_a with_o noah_n to_o have_v god_n plain_a word_n of_o his_o side_n then_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o with_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v here_o deceive_v &_o condemn_v when_o noah_n alone_o believe_v god_n word_n and_o be_v save_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v who_o be_v condemn_v the_o world_n to_o end_v this_o point_n one_o question_n may_v not_o unprofitable_o be_v here_o move_v whether_o be_v all_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o the_o man_n in_o that_o world_n condemn_v or_o no_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o imply_v that_o all_o but_o noah_n be_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o of_o so_o many_o million_o none_o shall_v repent_v but_o he_o and_o if_o they_o repent_v why_o be_v they_o not_o save_v i_o answer_v the_o world_n of_o that_o wicked_a age_n be_v condemn_v two_o way_n first_o with_o a_o corporal_a destruction_n and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o condemn_v without_o exception_n no_o high_a house_n no_o hill_n no_o device_n of_o man_n can_v save_v they_o for_o the_o water_n rise_v 15._o cubit_n above_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n under_o heaven_n gen._n 7.20_o and_o so_o though_o till_o then_o diverse_a of_o they_o live_v by_o fly_v to_o the_o hill_n yet_o that_o be_v their_o last_o refuge_n and_o be_v thus_o take_v from_o they_o than_o all_o flesh_n perish_v that_o move_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o draw_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n for_o so_o say_v the_o story_n genesis_n 7.21.22_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o of_o they_o can_v be_v save_v upon_o that_o ark_n for_o first_o it_o be_v so_o make_v with_o a_o ridge_n in_o the_o top_n as_o be_v most_o probable_o think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v upon_o it_o much_o less_o make_v any_o stay_n in_o that_o violent_a toss_n by_o tempest_n again_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o have_v live_v so_o long_o for_o want_v of_o food_n the_o water_n be_v almost_o a_o year_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v destroy_v with_o bodily_a destruction_n but_o second_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o eternal_a destruction_n in_o hell_n and_o therefore_o s._n peter_n 1.3.18_o say_v their_o spirit_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n who_o be_v disobedient_a in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n now_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o be_v they_o all_o condemn_v or_o no._n i_o answer_v for_o aught_o that_o we_o certain_o know_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v all_o condemn_v yet_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o think_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v many_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o some_o of_o they_o repent_v for_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v not_o noah_n judge_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o head_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o when_o they_o see_v it_o begin_v to_o rain_v extraordinary_o at_o least_o when_o they_o see_v themselves_o drive_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n and_o there_o look_v hourly_o for_o death_n that_o then_o diverse_a of_o the_o posterity_n of_o henoch_n and_o methusalem_n and_o lamech_n be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o former_a unbelief_n and_o then_o turn_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o repentance_n and_o doubtless_o that_o be_v the_o only_a or_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o god_n bring_v the_o flood_n in_o forty_o day_n which_o he_o can_v have_v do_v in_o four_o hour_n that_o so_o man_n may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v genesis_n 7._o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v if_o any_o repent_v why_o then_o be_v they_o not_o save_v i_o answer_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o in_o time_n when_o they_o be_v call_v by_o noah_n preach_v repentance_n be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o save_v the_o soul_n from_o hell_n but_o it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o save_v the_o body_n from_o a_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o hold_v for_o it_o seem_v too_o hard_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o posterity_n of_o methusalem_n henoch_n lamech_n and_o other_o holy_a patriarch_n who_o as_o the_o text_n say_v beget_v son_n and_o daughter_n and_o to_o think_v that_o none_o of_o they_o repent_v when_o they_o see_v the_o flood_n come_v indeed_o as_o noah_n have_v say_v it_o can_v be_v but_o they_o hear_v their_o father_n preach_v and_o why_o may_v not_o that_o preach_a work_n upon_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o judgement_n come_v though_o afore_o it_o do_v not_o but_o why_o then_o do_v not_o god_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n neither_o their_o repentance_n nor_o salvation_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o so_o doubtful_a i_o answer_v for_o the_o very_a same_o for_o which_o he_o will_v not_o record_v adam_n nor_o salomon_n all_n for_o this_o cause_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o the_o world_n end_n what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o disobey_v his_o commandment_n as_o adam_n do_v or_o to_o defer_v repentance_n when_o they_o be_v call_v by_o god_n word_n as_o these_o man_n do_v therefore_o to_o fear_v we_o from_o the_o like_a though_o afterward_o they_o repent_v it_o please_v god_n not_o to_o record_v it_o but_o to_o leave_v it_o doubtful_a this_o question_n be_v thus_o discuss_v yield_v we_o two_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n first_o for_o if_o we_o repent_v not_o betimes_o our_o state_n then_o be_v fearful_a and_o doubtful_a though_o not_o desperate_a as_o we_o see_v here_o the_o salvation_n even_o of_o methushelas_n child_n be_v doubtful_a for_o they_o repent_v not_o when_o they_o be_v call_v but_o defer_v it_o till_o the_o judgement_n come_v so_o if_o we_o defer_v our_o repentance_n till_o our_o death_n there_o be_v great_a question_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o repent_v when_o we_o be_v call_v by_o god_n word_n and_o then_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n than_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o our_o salvation_n second_o if_o we_o repent_v betimes_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n send_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n if_o not_o but_o defer_v repentance_n till_o the_o judgement_n come_v we_o may_v then_o by_o it_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o our_o body_n shall_v perish_v in_o the_o universal_a judgement_n if_o the_o child_n of_o henoch_n and_o methushelah_n which_o be_v near_o akin_a unto_o noah_n have_v repent_v at_o noah_n preach_v they_o have_v be_v save_v with_o noah_n they_o do_v not_o but_o when_o the_o flood_n come_v indeed_o then_o doubtless_o they_o believe_v with_o noah_n and_o wish_v themselves_o in_o the_o ark_n with_o he_o but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o save_v their_o soul_n but_o be_v drown_v with_o the_o rest_n so_o assure_o when_o god_n threaten_v any_o judgement_n on_o our_o church_n or_o nation_n they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v betimes_o shall_v escape_v it_o but_o they_o that_o will_v live_v in_o wantonness_n with_o the_o world_n and_o not_o repent_v till_o god_n begin_v to_o strike_v if_o then_o they_o do_v when_o the_o flood_n be_v come_v though_o salvation_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o repentance_n whensoever_o yet_o let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v bear_v their_o part_n with_o the_o world_n in_o the_o punishment_n as_o they_o do_v partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n let_v then_o these_o two_o consideration_n move_v we_o all_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o timely_a repentance_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o escape_v both_o the_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o not_o be_v condemn_v as_o here_o this_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v who_o be_v condemn_v the_o world_n the_o second_o point_n be_v whereby_o be_v they_o condemn_v the_o text_n say_v only_o by_o which_o he_o condemn_v etc._n etc._n whereupon_o some_o will_v understand_v faith_n and_o read_v it_o thus_o by_o which_o faith_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o faith_n of_o holy_a man_n condemn_v the_o unbelieved_a and_o misbelieve_a world_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o proper_a in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o ark_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o whereof_o this_o be_v
it_o this_o sanctification_n be_v call_v inward_a righteousness_n now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v a_o man_n may_v be_v justify_v by_o this_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o this_o righteousness_n be_v in_o this_o life_n imperfect_a and_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v we_o do_v here_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o corinth_n 13.12_o therefore_o our_o understanding_n be_v but_o in_o part_n regenerate_v and_o as_o it_o so_o consequent_o all_o other_o part_n or_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o in_o part_n regenerate_v and_o in_o they_o all_o we_o be_v partly_o spirit_n and_o partly_o flesh_n galath_n 5.17_o therefore_o if_o our_o sanctification_n be_v imperfect_a it_o can_v justify_v us._n again_o this_o righteousness_n be_v mingle_v with_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o from_o this_o mixture_n come_v the_o combat_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v of_o galath_n 8.17_o for_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v mingle_v with_o sin_n than_o it_o can_v make_v we_o righteous_a no_o nor_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o come_v from_o it_o though_o god_n in_o mercy_n reward_v they_o and_o though_o as_o s._n james_n say_v they_o justify_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v we_o just_a before_o man_n james_n 2.21_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o justify_v we_o before_o god_n justice_n nor_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n will_v they_o pass_v for_o payment_n s._n paul_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 4.4_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o thereby_o justify_v that_o be_v i_o have_v so_o walk_v in_o my_o call_n since_o i_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o be_o not_o privy_a nor_o guilty_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o negligence_n therein_o if_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o that_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o iâ—_n who_o dare_v take_v hold_n when_o he_o refuse_v again_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o perfect_a good_a work_n unless_o he_o be_v perfect_o just_a for_o how_o can_v perfection_n come_v out_o of_o imperfection_n but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v perfect_o just_a in_o this_o sinful_a body_n as_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o his_o work_n here_o in_o this_o life_n can_v be_v such_o as_o may_v make_v he_o righteous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v though_o our_o work_n have_v some_o defect_n in_o they_o yet_o god_n mercy_n accept_v they_o for_o righteous_a and_o just_a and_o therefore_o they_o may_v justify_v us._n i_o answer_v as_o god_n mercy_n accept_v they_o so_o must_v his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v also_o but_o they_o be_v imperfect_a can_v satisfy_v his_o justice_n for_o god_n infinite_a justice_n require_v perfect_a satisfaction_n but_o as_o for_o our_o best_a work_n as_o they_o be_v do_v by_o we_o weigh_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o they_o be_v so_o light_a as_o they_o deserve_v damnation_n yet_o in_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n their_o defect_n be_v cover_v and_o they_o be_v repute_v good_a work_n and_o be_v reward_v but_o we_o encroach_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o abuse_v his_o justice_n if_o therefore_o we_o imagine_v they_o shall_v deserve_v god_n mercy_n or_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v we_o in_o his_o sight_n thus_o then_o see_v legal_a righteousness_n fail_v we_o let_v we_o come_v to_o evangelicall_a evangelicall_a righteousness_n be_v that_o that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v reveal_v if_o that_o of_o the_o law_n can_v have_v save_v us._n but_o when_o it_o not_o by_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o default_n in_o ourselves_o can_v not_o than_o god_n in_o mercy_n afford_v we_o another_o in_o the_o gospel_n evangelicall_a righteousness_n be_v that_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o it_o be_v that_o must_v make_v a_o man_n righteous_a before_o god_n but_o this_o christ_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n godhead_n manhood_n and_o according_o he_o have_v a_o double_a righteousness_n in_o his_o holy_a person_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o have_v in_o his_o nature_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v uncreated_a and_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o incommunicable_a and_o so_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v righteous_a by_o it_o second_o there_o be_v in_o christ_n a_o righteousness_n of_o his_o humanity_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o create_v yet_o be_v it_o beyond_o measure_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n so_o say_v s._n john_n 3_o god_n give_v not_o he_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n this_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o man_n or_o mediator_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o obedience_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o our_o mediator_n righteousness_n be_v the_o holiness_n of_o his_o humanity_n which_o be_v perfect_o sanctify_v in_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o this_o be_v do_v at_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o his_o conception_n in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n from_o this_o purity_n of_o nature_n proceed_v his_o obedience_n which_o be_v as_o perfect_v as_o his_o nature_n be_v pure_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n make_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v free_a from_o sin_n original_a so_o be_v his_o whole_a life_n from_o the_o least_o sin_n actual_a now_o the_o mediator_n obedience_n be_v double_a active_a &_o passive_a and_o both_o these_o he_o perform_v in_o his_o own_o person_n his_o passive_a obedience_n be_v his_o passion_n or_o suffer_v of_o whatsoever_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v inflict_v on_o man_n for_o sin_n whether_o for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o active_a obedience_n of_o the_o mediator_n person_n be_v his_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o all_o this_o for_o we_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o on_o our_o behalf_n and_o here_o be_v true_a righteousness_n for_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o person_n be_v perfect_o pure_a and_o the_o obedience_n perfect_a the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o person_n be_v perfect_a and_o i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o he_o for_o we_o he_o suffer_v all_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v suffer_v and_o suffer_v not_o he_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o do_v not_o and_o this_o be_v that_o righteousness_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v righteous_a before_o god_n for_o see_v legal_a can_v it_o be_v this_o that_o must_v and_o now_o we_o have_v find_v that_o righteousness_n by_o which_o noah_n and_o all_o holy_a man_n be_v make_v and_o count_v righteous_a namely_o that_o that_o be_v resident_a in_o the_o holy_a person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o reason_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o another_o righteousness_n and_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o ground_v never_o so_o strong_o on_o god_n word_n yet_o have_v it_o enemy_n and_o be_v mighty_o oppugn_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o let_v we_o first_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o answer_v the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n we_o prove_v it_o thus_o first_o from_o plain_a scripture_n 1._o corinth_n 3.24_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o what_o can_v be_v say_v plain_a he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o we_o righteousness_n by_o he_o therefore_o as_o christ_n be_v no_o sinner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v a_o sinner_n by_o our_o sin_n so_o though_o we_o be_v not_o righteous_a in_o our_o own_o person_n yet_o have_v christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o his_o righteousness_n again_o the_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o must_v be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n and_o god_n as_o in_o the_o aforenamed_a place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n but_o no_o man_n own_o righteousness_n can_v make_v he_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v god_n righteousness_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o only_a christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o he_o that_o righteousness_n which_o may_v make_v a_o man_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n three_o the_o scripture_n say_v christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10.3_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v not_o the_o taker_n away_o
of_o the_o jew_n nation_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o remember_v she_o be_v the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n the_o grand_a patriarch_n of_o the_o age_n betwixt_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o she_o we_o read_v this_o story_n among_o other_o gen._n 18.13_o god_n by_o his_o angel_n appear_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o she_o make_v a_o promise_n that_o within_o the_o year_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n both_o hear_v it_o and_o both_o laugh_v to_o hear_v it_o abraham_n in_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o reprove_v she_o in_o doubtfulness_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o almost_o impossibility_n and_o be_v for_o it_o sharp_o reprove_v of_o the_o angel_n yet_o behold_v this_o sarah_n that_o even_o now_o laugh_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o be_v a_o fond_a conceit_n and_o mere_a impossible_a yet_o afterward_o believe_v and_o in_o so_o good_a a_o measure_n as_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o register_v to_o all_o posterity_n in_o her_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a lesson_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a thing_n in_o sarah_n to_o laugh_v at_o god_n word_n though_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o high_a above_o her_o conceit_n but_o it_o be_v good_a &_o commendable_a that_o she_o correct_v her_o fault_n and_o testify_v her_o amendment_n by_o believe_v we_o all_o follow_v sarahs_n fault_n but_o few_o her_o repentance_n many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v mocker_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n thereof_o and_o all_o religion_n that_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o humour_n be_v no_o more_o regard_v of_o they_o than_o toy_n or_o device_n and_o they_o be_v count_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n that_o think_v otherwise_o but_o alas_o these_o man_n know_v not_o how_o vile_a a_o sin_n they_o commit_v while_o they_o laugh_v at_o god_n word_n for_o if_o her_o fault_n be_v such_o who_o laugh_v at_o that_o that_o seem_v to_o she_o almost_o impossible_a and_o yet_o without_o any_o profaneness_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o that_o out_o of_o their_o carnalitie_n and_o fleshly_a profaneness_n do_v make_v but_o a_o sport_n at_o all_o god_n ordinance_n promise_n and_o commandment_n and_o at_o all_o religion_n more_o than_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n let_v such_o man_n be_v warn_v to_o cease_v mock_v and_o lay_v aside_o revile_v of_o other_o and_o begin_v in_o sober_o and_o serious_o to_o believe_v else_o they_o will_v find_v it_o sharp_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n and_o dangerous_a play_v with_o edge-tool_n furthermore_o sarah_n that_o laugh_v in_o doubt_v yet_o withal_o believe_v this_o teach_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v join_v always_o with_o doubt_v in_o all_o god_n child_n if_o any_o object_n that_o follow_v not_o here_o for_o she_o first_o doubt_v and_o then_o believe_v when_o she_o doubt_v she_o believe_v not_o and_o when_o she_o believe_v she_o doubt_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o will_v prove_v for_o sarah_n be_v no_o infidel_n utter_o to_o deny_v and_o gainsay_v god_n word_n when_o she_o hear_v it_o but_o only_o find_v it_o in_o all_o reason_n impossible_a she_o therefore_o present_o yield_v not_o to_o it_o but_o laugh_v at_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n past_o ordinary_a course_n yet_o withal_o she_o regard_v who_o speak_v it_o namely_o god_n and_o therefore_o forthwith_o judge_v it_o possible_a with_o god_n though_o impossible_a in_o reason_n and_o so_o at_o last_o constant_o believe_v it_o yet_o still_o her_o reason_n gainsay_v it_o so_o that_o she_o never_o doubt_v so_o but_o that_o she_o in_o some_o part_n believe_v it_o and_o when_o she_o believe_v it_o most_o steadfast_o yet_o she_o something_a doubt_v of_o it_o reason_n say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v therefore_o as_o when_o reason_n overrule_a yet_o she_o have_v some_o spark_n of_o faith_n so_o when_o her_o faith_n be_v predominant_a there_o remain_v some_o relic_n of_o doubt_v for_o as_o reason_n can_v overthrow_v true_a faith_n so_o the_o best_a faith_n in_o this_o world_n can_v full_o vanquish_v reason_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n mark_v 9.24_o jesus_n bid_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n possess_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o his_o child_n shall_v be_v dispossess_v he_o answer_v cry_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n there_o be_v faith_n and_o unbelief_n in_o one_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n in_o one_o action_n upon_o one_o object_n and_o what_o be_v unbelief_n but_o doubt_v or_o worse_a and_o christ_n often_o reprove_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o doubt_n and_o call_v they_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o yet_o all_o know_v that_o that_o they_o then_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o s._n peter_n himself_o most_o famous_a for_o his_o faith_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o same_o word_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v he_o have_v a_o little_a faith_n therefore_o some_o faith_n a_o little_a faith_n therefore_o much_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v apparent_a a_o man_n may_v have_v in_o his_o soul_n at_o once_o both_o faith_n and_o doubt_v yea_o common_o we_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n or_o a_o mite_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o mountain_n of_o doubt_v the_o use_n of_o â—his_n doctrine_n first_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o many_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n who_o care_v not_o how_o they_o live_v yet_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o ask_v how_o they_o know_v it_o they_o answer_v they_o know_v no_o other_o ask_v when_o they_o begin_v they_o say_v they_o do_v ever_o so_o ask_v if_o they_o doubt_v they_o answer_v they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a so_o to_o do_v but_o alas_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o presumption_n our_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v disgrace_v by_o such_o man_n for_o they_o have_v it_o not_o they_o know_v it_o not_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v shame_v to_o answer_v so_o these_o man_n have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o for_o where_o it_o be_v doubt_v do_v always_o show_v itself_o and_o he_o that_o know_v he_o believe_v know_v also_o he_o doubt_v and_o the_o more_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v his_o doubt_n for_o where_o these_o two_o be_v they_o be_v always_o opposite_a and_o show_v their_o contrary_a nature_n the_o one_o be_v the_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v flesh_n and_o corruption_n and_o these_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v lust_n one_o against_o another_o galath_n 5.17_o he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o be_v whole_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o flesh_n or_o corruption_n in_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o corruption_n and_o he_o that_o imagine_v he_o have_v perfect_a faith_n and_o no_o doubt_v have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a presumption_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v faith_n &_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v daily_o trouble_v with_o temptation_n let_v not_o such_o be_v dismay_v though_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o much_o doubt_v and_o diffidence_n for_o sarah_n believe_v and_o yet_o she_o doubt_v yea_o notwithstanding_o all_o her_o doubt_n she_o believe_v so_o excellent_o as_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o holy_a matron_n for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o be_v even_o buffet_v by_o satan_n with_o temptation_n of_o doubt_v let_v not_o he_o be_v dismay_v as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v his_o doubt_v do_v not_o bewray_v itself_o but_o that_o faith_n make_v the_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o let_v he_o strive_v with_o tear_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o person_n who_o sarah_n but_o what_o be_v the_o action_n which_o she_o do_v it_o be_v imply_v in_o these_o word_n through_o faith_n sarah_n etc._n etc._n her_o action_n be_v she_o believe_v this_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o action_n of_o believe_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o this_o chapter_n these_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n have_v other_o holy_a virtue_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v here_o commend_v now_o particular_o for_o sarahs_n faith_n here_o be_v one_o notable_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v the_o very_a same_o word_n of_o god_n which_o she_o believe_v and_o for_o believe_v whereof_o she_o be_v here_o register_v at_o â—he_n same_o she_o also_o laugh_v but_o behold_v her_o faith_n be_v record_v her_o laugh_n be_v not_o her_o faith_n be_v commend_v her_o fault_n silence_v in_o which_o holy_a &_o merciful_a practice_n of_o god_n we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n accept_v true_a faith_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o infirmity_n as_o a_o king_n be_v content_a to_o give_v a_o beggar_n â—n_a alm_n
though_o he_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o hand_n shake_v with_o the_o palsy_n so_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n though_o disease_v with_o infirmity_n and_o bestow_v grace_n on_o a_o believe_a soul_n though_o shake_v with_o many_o temptation_n in_o a_o word_n god_n accept_v soundness_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o more_o look_n at_o in_o his_o mercy_n a_o man_n little_a faith_n than_o his_o many_o fault_n he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isaiah_n 42_o 3_o when_o a_o man_n be_v break_v in_o heart_n and_o deject_a in_o soul_n in_o fight_n of_o his_o many_o sin_n and_o little_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o break_v this_o bruise_a reed_n but_o will_n comfort_n and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o when_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n appear_v in_o a_o man_n as_o flax_n that_o smoke_v but_o will_v not_o burn_v out_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o will_v rather_o kindle_v it_o and_o give_v life_n unto_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o to_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o holy_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o can_v do_v so_o well_o as_o they_o will_v or_o shall_v let_v we_o not_o exact_v too_o much_o and_o too_o hasty_o upon_o they_o but_o expect_v in_o meekness_n the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v well_o of_o sarahs_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v with_o laugh_v second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n rather_o observe_v and_o regard_v good_a thing_n in_o his_o child_n than_o their_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n he_o write_v up_o sarahs_n faith_n he_o name_v not_o her_o laugh_n this_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o thus_o shall_v we_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o what_o good_a thing_n we_o see_v in_o any_o man_n we_o shall_v observe_v &_o commend_v it_o his_o fault_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v but_o cover_v and_o omit_v they_o but_o the_o course_n be_v contrary_a the_o common_a table_n talk_v of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o of_o man_n fault_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o their_o imperfection_n but_o if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o good_a property_n we_o can_v bury_v they_o all_o or_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n this_o argue_v the_o malice_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v evil_a do_v delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o be_v corrupt_a feed_v as_o do_v the_o filthy_a horseflie_a on_o nothing_o but_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n and_o learn_v to_o conceal_v fault_n and_o use_v our_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n and_o virtue_n in_o our_o brethren_n so_o shall_v we_o resemble_v the_o lord_n who_o though_o sarah_n laugh_v not_o in_o a_o holy_a admiration_n but_o in_o unbelief_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o afterward_o she_o believe_v god_n have_v match_v she_o with_o the_o notable_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o person_n and_o her_o action_n she_o believe_v now_o the_o second_o be_v what_o she_o believe_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o thing_n she_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n particular_o his_o promise_n that_o she_o shall_v bear_v isaac_n in_o her_o old_a age_n of_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v read_v gen._n 18.13_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o only_a question_n be_v by_o what_o faith_n she_o believe_v this_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v by_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v prove_v thus_o abraham_n believe_v this_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o justify_v he_o rom._n 4.10.11_o but_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n believe_v it_o both_o by_o one_o faith_n therefore_o sarah_n believe_v that_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o also_o justify_v she_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n but_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o for_o here_o we_o see_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o temporal_a blessing_n by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o former_o they_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o the_o object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o principal_a the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n 2._o secondary_a all_o inferior_a promise_n annex_v thereunto_o the_o main_a promise_n be_v so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 3.16_o now_o true_a faith_n first_o of_o all_o direct_o and_o plain_o fasten_v itself_o on_o this_o but_o after_o and_o with_o this_o on_o all_o other_o promise_n that_o concern_v soul_n or_o body_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n health_n peace_n competency_n of_o wealth_n &_o all_o other_o under_o the_o name_n of_o daily_a bread_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o faith_n constrain_v but_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o on_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n accept_v we_o in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n we_o can_v but_o withal_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n else_o needful_a for_o us._n this_o we_o here_o note_v again_o because_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o hold_v that_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n alone_o but_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o for_o that_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o now_o follow_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o impediment_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o now_o against_o childbearing_n there_o be_v two_o impediment_n 1._o barrenness_n 2._o age._n if_o one_o be_v age_v or_o past_o the_o ordinary_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a and_o unlikely_a but_o if_o one_o be_v very_o age_a and_o far_o past_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n thus_o it_o stand_v in_o reason_n beside_o though_o one_o be_v not_o past_a age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v barren_a as_o some_o by_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v she_o shall_v conceive_v now_o both_o these_o lay_n in_o sarahs_n way_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v past_o age_n and_o another_o place_n namely_o gen._n 16.1.2_o say_v she_o be_v barren_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o sarahs_n age_n that_o in_o the_o old_a time_n they_o have_v child_n till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a age_n eva_n have_v her_o son_n sheth_o at_o 130._o year_n old_a gen._n 5.3_o for_o adam_n and_o eve_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o of_o one_o age_n and_o after_o that_o eve_n bear_v many_o son_n and_o daughter_n therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o sarah_n be_v not_o past_a age_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o who_o begin_v to_o bear_v at_o that_o age_n live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n but_o sarah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o age_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o 200._o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o 100_o year_n abraham_n live_v but_o 175._o year_n and_o sarah_n but_o 127._o she_o therefore_o who_o live_v 127._o year_n and_o die_v a_o old_a woman_n must_v needs_o be_v past_a age_n of_o childbearing_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a and_o beside_o her_o age_n she_o be_v also_o barren_a by_o her_o natural_a constitution_n as_o many_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o bring_v abraham_n no_o child_n yet_o unto_o this_o woman_n come_v a_o word_n from_o god_n sarah_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n and_o behold_v this_o age_a and_o barren_a woman_n do_v not_o object_n desperate_o these_o her_o two_o hindrance_n the_o one_o whereof_o in_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a against_o child-bearing_a but_o beyond_o all_o impediment_n and_o above_o reason_n believe_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rest_v and_o rely_v only_o and_o whole_o on_o god_n word_n for_o it_o the_o use_n of_o which_o notable_a and_o faithful_a practice_n so_o wonderful_a in_o a_o woman_n must_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v our_o
friend_n or_o child_n body_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n to_o feed_v worm_n burn_v by_o fire_n or_o eat_v by_o fish_n reason_n say_v they_o be_v go_v they_o can_v never_o be_v again_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o assure_a promise_n the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v with_o their_o body_n shall_v they_o rise_v isaiah_n we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o sarah_n god_n say_v to_o she_o age_n and_o barronnesse_n shall_v have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o he_o say_v to_o we_o dust_n and_o rottenness_n shall_v live_v again_o nay_o he_o have_v often_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o faith_n acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o god_n and_o believe_v it_o as_o she_o do_v but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o personal_a promise_n as_o she_o be_v for_o this_o be_v general_a god_n have_v promise_v grace_n and_o pardon_n to_o every_o penitent_a and_o believe_a soul_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sweetness_n hereof_o without_o the_o bitterness_n of_o many_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a give_v he_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v and_o often_o even_o of_o despair_v of_o god_n favour_n what_o must_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n even_o believe_v though_o he_o feel_v no_o reason_n why_o to_o believe_v and_o hope_v above_o hope_n such_o be_v abraham_n and_o sarahs_n faith_n and_o for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v register_v in_o the_o story_n of_o genesis_n so_o both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 4._o remember_v again_o and_o commend_v for_o it_o now_o suppose_v that_o thou_o after_o thy_o come_n to_o god_n by_o faith_n &_o repentance_n fall_v into_o temptation_n of_o desertion_n wherein_o to_o thy_o feel_n god_n heavy_a hand_n &_o wrath_n have_v seize_v on_o thou_o &_o the_o devil_n lay_v thy_o sin_n to_o thy_o charge_n &_o tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v a_o damn_a wretch_n for_o thou_o be_v ever_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o never_o have_v faith_n &_o that_o therefore_o god_n be_v thy_o enemy_n in_o this_o case_n wherein_o in_o reason_n or_o in_o feeling_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n what_o must_v thou_o do_v despair_n god_n forbid_v for_o that_o be_v the_o downfall_n into_o hell_n no_o but_o hope_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n keep_v faith_n when_o there_o be_v no_o feel_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o herein_o remember_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n try_v and_o sift_v so_o as_o few_o have_v be_v who_o though_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a stick_v in_o he_o and_o the_o venom_n thereof_o drink_v up_o his_o spirit_n job_n 6.4_o yet_o even_o then_o he_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o give_v over_o nor_o let_v go_v his_o hold_n and_o say_v though_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o dust_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o forsake_v thou_o no_o though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o so_o in_o the_o fury_n of_o temptation_n when_o the_o venom_n of_o god_n wrath_n seem_v to_o drink_v up_o our_o spirit_n then_o must_v we_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n when_o god_n seem_v ready_a to_o kill_v we_o then_o must_v we_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o such_o case_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v show_v when_o reason_n and_o feeling_n say_v god_n be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n faith_n must_v say_v he_o be_v a_o merciful_a father_n in_o our_o health_n and_o welfare_n and_o feel_v of_o god_n favour_n this_o exhortation_n may_v seem_v tedious_a but_o if_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pass_v already_o the_o time_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v when_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o woman_n faith_n which_o be_v the_o more_o commend_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o two_o so_o great_a hindrance_n now_o follow_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n which_o be_v diverse_a some_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o some_o in_o the_o next_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o effect_n first_o by_o power_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o be_v enable_v to_o conceive_v which_o afore_o she_o do_v not_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o nature_n why_o she_o shall_v second_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o her_o old_a age_n and_o that_o child_n be_v isaac_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a good_a instruction_n for_o see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o akin_a in_o their_o nature_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o both_o joint_o together_o first_o here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a which_o god_n have_v promise_v but_o faith_n can_v compass_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o performance_n christ_n bâ—d_v the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a to_o go_v he_o speak_v they_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v heal_v so_o here_o god_n promise_v a_o barren_a old_a woman_n a_o child_n she_o believe_v and_o lo_o she_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o son_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v for_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n first_o many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v ignorant_a when_o they_o be_v move_v to_o learn_v religion_n answer_n alas_o they_o be_v simple_a or_o not_o booke-learned_n or_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a witted_a or_o they_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o therefore_o they_o can_v learn_v nothing_o or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o can_v remember_v it_o but_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a excuse_n for_o they_o want_v not_o wit_n to_o learn_v religion_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v to_o know_v a_o fair_a day_n from_o a_o foul_a good_a meat_n from_o ill_a dear_a from_o cheap_a winter_n from_o summer_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o practise_v the_o civil_a action_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o get_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v save_v their_o soul_n so_o that_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o grace_n and_o diligence_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o they_o therefore_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o good_a advice_n let_v such_o a_o man_n learn_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o this_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o math._n 6.33_o or_o this_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o 1._o pet._n 5.7_o or_o this_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o cast_v he_o not_o away_o john_n 6.37_o or_o but_o this_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v math._n 7._o let_v he_o learn_v but_o one_o of_o these_o &_o when_o they_o have_v learn_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o let_v their_o soul_n daily_o feed_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v what_o will_v follow_v even_o a_o wonderful_a blessing_n upon_o that_o poor_a beginning_n this_o their_o faith_n will_v so_o content_a and_o please_v their_o heart_n that_o it_o will_v urge_v they_o forward_o to_o get_v more_o and_o will_v make_v they_o both_o desirous_a &_o capable_a of_o more_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v make_v they_o even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n whereas_o he_o that_o know_v no_o promise_n nor_o believe_v it_o content_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o find_v that_o will_v careful_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v and_o will_v begin_v to_o learn_v but_o one_o lesson_n at_o the_o first_o for_o as_o old_a barren_a sarah_n believe_v god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o so_o old_a simple_a plain_a dull_a countryman_n believe_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o bless_a fruit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n second_o other_o who_o have_v make_v better_a proceed_n in_o religion_n do_v see_v their_o sin_n and_o do_v much_o bewail_v they_o but_o they_o can_v overcome_v their_o corruption_n yea_o many_o there_o be_v to_o who_o their_o sin_n and_o inward_a corruption_n be_v more_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a than_o all_o bodily_a want_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v they_o not_o how_o to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n but_o alas_o be_v oftentimes_o foil_v by_o they_o to_o their_o great_a discomfort_n let_v these_o man_n know_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o cause_n hereof_o for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o ruminate_v and_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o use_v the_o mean_n
god_n have_v appoint_v to_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o have_v annex_v his_o promise_n of_o help_n against_o sin_n let_v they_o therefore_o lie_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n unto_o their_o conscience_n in_o holy_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n let_v they_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n crave_v also_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o and_o let_v they_o sharpen_v these_o holy_a exercise_n by_o fast_v watch_v holy_a conference_n with_o other_o visitation_n of_o other_o afflict_v like_o themselves_o oft_o reveal_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o godly_a pastor_n let_v they_o continue_v thus_o do_v and_o rest_v confident_o on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o steadfast_a foot_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o old_a sarah_n shall_v have_v strength_n to_o conceive_v that_o be_v that_o their_o poor_a soul_n shall_v receive_v strength_n to_o tread_v upon_o satan_n to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n &_o to_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o many_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o late_a experience_n as_o isaac_n be_v to_o sarah_n in_o her_o elder_a age_n the_o next_o doctrine_n we_o may_v here_o learn_v be_v that_o whereas_o sarah_n by_o her_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o child_n be_v the_o immediate_a blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o sarah_n bare_a isaac_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a strength_n or_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o faith_n she_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v this_o so_o in_o she_o only_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n power_n but_o in_o all_o some_o be_v indeed_o barren_a by_o constitution_n and_o these_o can_v conceive_v unless_o by_o god_n power_n as_o sarah_n do_v but_o some_o have_v no_o child_n who_o in_o all_o natural_a reason_n may_v conceive_v for_o as_o god_n give_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o a_o gift_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v genesis_n 1.22_o so_o he_o reserve_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o power_n to_o alter_v or_o dispense_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o it_o please_v he_o therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o psal._n 128.4_o he_o say_v loe_o thus_o shall_v he_o be_v bless_v that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v parent_n therefore_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o as_o god_n blessing_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o so_o they_o do_v their_o beast_n but_o to_o nurture_n they_o in_o holy_a discipline_n by_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o this_o they_o want_v they_o have_v nothing_o though_o you_o leave_v they_o earldom_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o say_n true_a better_a unborn_a than_o untaught_a the_o law_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v be_v give_v to_o beast_n in_o their_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o genesis_n 1._o verse_n 22._o therefore_o unless_o we_o do_v more_o than_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n we_o differ_v little_a from_o they_o but_o make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o so_o we_o make_v they_o fellow_n with_o the_o angel_n if_o parent_n do_v thus_o it_o can_v be_v express_v what_o blessing_n will_v come_v thereby_o to_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n three_o and_o last_o let_v we_o here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o this_o holy_a matron_n sarah_n figure_v unto_o we_o mystical_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god._n allegory_n be_v chary_o and_o spare_o to_o be_v teach_v else_o much_o unsounde_a doctrine_n may_v cumber_v man_n conscience_n but_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o sure_a for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n galath_n 4.23_o etc._n etc._n by_o agar_n and_o sarah_n other_o thing_n be_v mean_v for_o these_o two_o mother_n be_v two_o testament_n agar_n she_o which_o gender_v unto_o bondage_n sarah_n jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o from_o above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o natural_a sarah_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n and_o mystical_a sarah_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o as_o she_o not_o by_o power_n in_o herself_o but_o by_o god_n power_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n bare_a isaac_n so_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n bring_v forth_o child_n to_o god_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o isaac_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n and_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o promise_n galath_n 4.23_o so_o man_n regenerate_v and_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.18_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o together_o beget_v child_n to_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o honour_v the_o church_n as_o our_o mother_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o church_n can_v make_v herself_o our_o mother_n noâ—_n we_o her_o child_n when_o she_o will_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o then_o we_o be_v make_v he_o must_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o further_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v god_n child_n and_o heir_n of_o immortality_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o two_o first_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n the_o three_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n which_o because_o it_o be_v much_o stand_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o will_v put_v it_o off_o till_o then_o be_v therefore_o worthy_a our_o deep_a consideration_n and_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o five_o and_o last_o point_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o she_o build_v this_o her_o faith_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n be_v barren_a and_o past_a age_n be_v not_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n she_o have_v of_o he_o that_o promise_v for_o promise_n be_v not_o of_o value_n so_o much_o by_o the_o thing_n promise_v though_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a for_o they_o may_v promise_v much_o who_o can_v perform_v nothing_o or_o though_o they_o can_v yet_o will_v recall_v their_o word_n in_o lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n as_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v we_o say_v in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v rather_o have_v some_o man_n word_n than_o other_o man_n bond_n and_o rather_o have_v a_o little_a promise_v of_o some_o then_o much_o of_o other_o now_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o sarah_n hold_v of_o he_o that_o promisâ—â—_n namely_o god_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v faithful_n that_o be_v she_o judge_v he_o able_a &_o willing_a to_o accomplish_v whatever_o he_o promise_v to_o she_o so_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n must_v be_v a_o sure_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o god_n 1._o his_o ability_n to_o make_v good_a whatever_o pass_v he_o in_o word_n 2._o his_o carefulness_n to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v say_v it_o some_o will_v promise_v any_o thing_n though_o their_o ability_n stretch_v not_o to_o perform_v other_o be_v able_a enough_o but_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o word_n but_o both_o these_o be_v in_o god_n all-sufficient_a ability_n and_o most_o careful_a willingness_n so_o sarah_n judge_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o believe_v against_o reason_n and_o so_o must_v we_o do_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v god_n word_n aright_o we_o may_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v god_n word_n and_o have_v the_o point_n therein_o swim_v in_o our_o head_n but_o if_o we_o will_v constant_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n his_o bless_a promise_n &_o in_o our_o conscience_n fear_v his_o threaten_n we_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v in_o he_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v by_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n afore_o we_o pray_v for_o
the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n of_o god_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fall_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o two_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o mediator_n and_o such_o other_o substantial_a point_n touch_v god_n his_o word_n sacrament_n law_n gospel_n prayer_n good_a work_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o creed_n and_o catechism_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v yield_v unto_o us._n herein_o the_o case_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o all_o nation_n be_v miserable_a in_o popery_n their_o clergy_n be_v so_o fat_a and_o full_a they_o will_v not_o in_o our_o church_n the_o ministry_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o so_o poor_a and_o ill_o provide_v for_o they_o can_v teach_v betwixt_o both_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n do_v perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n for_o how_o can_v they_o but_o perish_v that_o die_v not_o in_o faith_n how_o can_v they_o die_v so_o that_o live_v not_o in_o faith_n and_o how_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v faith_n that_o have_v no_o knowledge_n see_v knowledge_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o need_v the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o may_v and_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o that_o our_o church_n may_v have_v teacher_n and_o our_o people_n catechiser_n for_o without_o learn_v the_o catechism_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o learn_v religion_n second_o when_o we_o have_v get_v knowledge_n and_o so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n then_o must_v we_o learn_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n and_o we_o must_v hide_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o jewel_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o effectual_a to_o all_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o we_o ourselves_o must_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n three_o after_o both_o these_o we_o must_v conform_v ourselves_o throughout_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n we_o must_v leave_v all_o bad_a way_n and_o ungodly_a course_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o so_o common_a in_o the_o world_n and_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v faith_n itself_o the_o last_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o a_o assure_a testimony_n of_o it_o to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o old_a and_o holy_a way_n consecrate_v by_o christ_n blood_n and_o tread_v in_o by_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o popery_n nor_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v appoint_v so_o â—aâ—e_a so_o sure_a nor_o so_o direct_a a_o way_n thus_o live_v abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n and_o after_o this_o course_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o now_o live_v in_o glory_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o with_o they_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v but_o else_o we_o may_v long_o look_v for_o heaven_n before_o we_o come_v there_o indeed_o god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n that_o live_v not_o in_o faith_n die_v in_o faith_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o be_v his_o ordinary_a course_n &_o that_o be_v this_o they_o that_o live_v in_o faith_n die_v in_o faith_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o repent_v and_o turn_v betimes_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o leave_v late_a repentance_n to_o they_o that_o think_v it_o but_o a_o sport_n to_o venture_v a_o soul_n that_o course_n may_v speed_v but_o this_o course_n be_v sure_a to_o speed_v he_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v happen_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o live_v in_o faith_n be_v sure_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n for_o ever_o second_o observe_v how_o it_o be_v say_v all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o some_o but_o all_o abraham_n the_o father_n and_o the_o root_n and_o with_o he_o the_o wife_n the_o child_n and_o the_o grandchild_n behold_v a_o true_a noble_a blood_n a_o holy_a kindred_n a_o bless_a generation_n worthy_a be_v abraham_n of_o all_o the_o honour_n he_o have_v who_o be_v the_o root_n of_o such_o a_o noble_a and_o bless_a brood_n and_o worthy_a be_v isaac_n and_o jaacob_n of_o so_o good_a a_o father_n who_o stain_v not_o their_o blood_n by_o forsake_v their_o faith_n but_o hold_v it_o as_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o first_o if_o we_o be_v father_n to_o shine_v before_o our_o child_n in_o a_o holy_a religion_n true_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n and_o it_o be_v great_a hope_n that_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n will_v follow_v we_o in_o the_o same_o second_o if_o we_o be_v son_n to_o look_v which_o of_o our_o forefather_n and_o ancestor_n embrace_v the_o most_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o faith_n most_o of_o our_o young_a papist_n can_v say_v no_o more_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o this_o my_o father_n and_o grandfather_n be_v of_o that_o religion_n but_o they_o must_v look_v to_o all_o their_o forefather_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o great_a grandfather_n nahors_n or_o terahs_n religion_n but_o of_o their_o father_n abraham_n and_o abraham_n himself_o will_v not_o be_v of_o his_o father_n terahs_n or_o his_o grand_a father_n nahors_n religion_n but_o he_o go_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n high_o to_o his_o forefather_n to_o the_o ten_o generation_n noah_n and_o shem_n and_o embrace_v their_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o my_o father_n or_o grandfather_n religion_n unless_o first_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o noble_a christian_a man_n which_o know_v that_o will_v not_o forsake_v it_o but_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o three_o see_v here_o true_a honour_n and_o gentry_n be_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n here_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o do_v as_o these_o do_v abraham_n perceive_v he_o be_v wrong_a and_o err_v with_o his_o father_n he_o therefore_o leave_v his_o father_n and_o grandfather_n religion_n &_o go_v up_o high_a and_o take_v a_o better_a isaac_n his_o son_n make_v himself_o heir_n not_o of_o his_o land_n alone_o but_o of_o his_o father_n religion_n also_o jaacob_n the_o grandchild_n follow_v both_o and_o die_v in_o faith_n with_o they_o behold_v here_o jaacob_n a_o true_a gentleman_n in_o blood_n his_o holiness_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o three_o descent_n let_v we_o all_o learn_v to_o adorn_v our_o gentility_n and_o nobility_n with_o these_o ensign_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o let_v all_o they_o that_o shame_n to_o stain_v their_o blood_n by_o treason_n or_o misdemeanour_n shame_n also_o to_o let_v their_o forefather_n religion_n holiness_n or_o virtue_n fail_v in_o they_o but_o let_v they_o all_o so_o live_v in_o they_o that_o with_o jaacob_n they_o may_v die_v in_o their_o father_n faith_n last_o observe_v how_o it_o be_v say_v they_o die_v in_o faith_n they_o afore_o live_v in_o it_o but_o now_o their_o principal_a commendation_n be_v they_o die_v in_o it_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o good_a course_n when_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o for_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n be_v the_o true_a commendation_n he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o crown_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n galath_n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o further_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o choose_v that_o faith_n to_o live_v in_o with_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n that_o we_o may_v bold_o die_v in_o it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o popery_n be_v a_o good_a religion_n to_o live_v in_o but_o we_o to_o die_v in_o the_o papist_n usurp_v this_o say_n and_o turn_v it_o the_o contrary_a way_n but_o they_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o it_o as_o the_o thief_n to_o the_o true_a man_n purse_n the_o liberty_n the_o pardon_n dispensation_n sanctuary_n the_o pomp_n and_o outward_a glory_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o fast_n &_o outward_a austerity_n be_v foul_a and_o feign_a hypocrisy_n and_o indeed_o open_a licentiousness_n these_o and_o many_o thing_n more_o may_v allure_v any_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o their_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v than_o
son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o this_o promise_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v abraham_n practice_n for_o in_o this_o temptation_n god_n meaning_n be_v to_o try_v abraham_n and_o to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v now_o abraham_n he_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n and_o yet_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v tell_v how_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o commandment_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o this_o be_v abraham_n faith_n though_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o reason_n know_v not_o yet_o god_n know_v and_o therefore_o see_v i_o have_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v obey_v it_o and_o see_v i_o have_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n i_o will_v believe_v that_o also_o and_o never_o forsake_v it_o and_o even_o thus_o must_v we_o strive_v to_o do_v in_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o yea_o even_o in_o those_o that_o come_v from_o satan_n which_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o all_o violence_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n to_o hold_v that_o god_n promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o rather_o see_v the_o contrary_n and_o though_o in_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o stick_v always_o to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o question_n yet_o in_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o trial_n this_o be_v sound_a divinity_n always_o to_o hold_v god_n promise_n and_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v satan_n in_o his_o argument_n neither_o suffer_v he_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o it_o further_o in_o that_o this_o fact_n of_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v only_a abraham_n trial_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v he_o just_a before_o god_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v iust._n and_o therefore_o whereas_o saint_n james_n say_v jam._n 2.21_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v through_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o abraham_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v just_a before_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o not_o that_o by_o this_o fact_n abraham_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v just_a or_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v make_v more_o just_a for_o indeed_o good_a work_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o only_o do_v prove_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v just_a three_o god_n give_v abraham_n this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n but_o yet_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intent_n herein_o for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n indeed_o but_o only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v do_v whether_o he_o will_v still_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o not_o where_o we_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o will_n but_o not_o his_o whole_a will_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n according_a to_o this_o example_n of_o god_n when_o he_o tell_v a_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o extremity_n both_o which_o must_v be_v avoid_v in_o this_o case_n 1_o that_o a_o man_n must_v always_o express_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n 2_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v speak_v one_o thing_n and_o think_v another_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o meaning_n but_o this_o late_a be_v no_o way_n lawful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a we_o therefore_o must_v hold_v a_o mean_a between_o both_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v conceal_v his_o whole_a meaning_n say_v nothing_o though_o they_o be_v examine_v namely_o when_o the_o conceal_n thereof_o do_v direct_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n thus_o godly_a martyr_n have_v do_v for_o be_v examine_v before_o tyrant_n where_o and_o with_o who_o they_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o disclose_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o conceal_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o touch_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n second_o a_o man_n may_v conceal_v part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o must_v be_v also_o with_o these_o two_o caveat_n first_o that_o it_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n second_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o gods_n church_n thus_o do_v jonas_n conceal_v the_o condition_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o ninivites_fw-la when_o he_o preach_v destruction_n unto_o they_o say_v within_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o they_o do_v repent_v but_o that_o condition_n god_n will_v have_v conceal_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o ninivites_fw-la to_o have_v know_v it_o since_o the_o conceal_n of_o it_o cause_v they_o more_o speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v but_o out_o of_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o speak_v must_v declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n or_o else_o he_o sin_n great_o against_o god_n commandment_n forsake_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a psal._n 15.2_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n the_o second_o impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o parent_n descend_v to_o every_o child_n natural_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o only_o beget_v upon_o who_o be_v but_o one_o all_o that_o be_v bestow_v which_o when_o there_o be_v many_o be_v divide_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o may_v great_o hinder_v abraham_n obedience_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o offer_v his_o son_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n but_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o temptation_n break_v through_o this_o impediment_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n where_o we_o note_v that_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n overcome_v his_o own_o nature_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n even_o his_o only_a child_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o love_n in_o the_o parent_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o death_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o child_n but_o yet_o behold_v abraham_n by_o faith_n subdue_v this_o special_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o only_a child_n god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n that_o his_o love_n to_o isaac_n be_v great_a gen._n 22.2_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o his_o love_n this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v as_o declare_v the_o great_a power_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o if_o faith_n can_v overcome_v create_v and_o sanctify_a nature_n then_o undoubted_o the_o power_n thereof_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o overcome_v our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o which_o come_v in_o by_o transgression_n and_o hence_o such_o excellent_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o and_o god_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n faith_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v nature_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o then_o howsoever_o religion_n be_v receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v general_o among_o we_o yet_o undoubted_o there_o be_v little_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o subdue_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n and_o suppress_v the_o work_n of_o their_o wicked_a nature_n sure_o very_o few_o now_o where_o corruption_n bear_v sway_v and_o sin_n reign_v there_o sound_a faith_n can_v be_v for_o if_o faith_n be_v sound_a in_o man_n it_o will_v purify_v
that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n 3.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o be_v god_n promise_n and_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v now_o therefore_o howsoever_o my_o case_n be_v heavy_a and_o desolate_a yet_o god_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v i_o and_o to_o bring_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o from_o this_o case_n of_o desperation_n therefore_o though_o he_o kill_v i_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o i_o will_v use_v all_o holy_a mean_n whereby_o i_o may_v overcome_v this_o hard_a and_o grievous_a temptation_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a profession_n flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o know_v be_v weak_a and_o nature_n will_v make_v this_o objection_n that_o life_n be_v sweet_a what_o course_n therefore_o shall_v we_o take_v we_o must_v do_v as_o abraham_n here_o do_v unto_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n promise_v we_o must_v adjoine_v his_o power_n and_o reason_n thus_o god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o that_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v i_o and_o though_o he_o will_v not_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v i_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o therefore_o i_o will_v patient_o suffer_v and_o abide_v whatsoever_o his_o holy_a hand_n shall_v lay_v upon_o i_o three_o be_v a_o man_n so_o trouble_v with_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v get_v out_o nor_o overcome_v it_o then_o also_o let_v he_o set_v before_o he_o this_o fact_n of_o abraham_n and_o unfeigned_o endeavour_n to_o do_v hereafter_o for_o that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v he_o labour_n to_o believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n do_v repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v put_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v first_o resolve_v that_o god_n can_v enable_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o sin_n let_v he_o strive_v by_o good_a mean_n to_o leave_v his_o sin_n avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o this_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cable-rope_n to_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n this_o course_n we_o must_v take_v and_o this_o do_v in_o every_o hard_a case_n that_o shall_v befall_v us._n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o abraham_n induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n the_o three_o and_o last_o reason_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o event_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n from_o whence_o he_o receive_v he_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n from_o whence_o that_o be_v from_o death_n after_o a_o sort_n or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o some_o show_n this_o be_v say_v because_o isaac_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o abraham_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n for_o abraham_n be_v full_o resolve_v with_o himself_o upon_o god_n command_n to_o have_v sacrifice_v he_o yea_o he_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v the_o sacrifice_a knife_n unto_o his_o son_n throat_n and_o have_v slay_v he_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o angel_n say_v lay_v not_o thy_o hand_n upon_o the_o child_n neither_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o even_o than_o do_v abraham_n in_o some_o show_n receive_v isaac_n from_o death_n here_o we_o learn_v diverse_a point_n 1_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v rest_v on_o god_n providence_n and_o good_a pleasure_n even_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n with_o himself_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n this_o we_o see_v to_o be_v true_a by_o abraham_n example_n in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o say_v before_o he_o himself_o no_o doubt_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v ten_o thousand_o time_n than_o to_o have_v isaac_n slay_v in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o yet_o believe_v god_n promise_n that_o that_o shall_v never_o change_v he_o rest_v himself_o on_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n and_o go_v on_o in_o obedience_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n receive_v a_o bless_a issue_n this_o be_v very_o clear_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n for_o when_o abraham_n have_v go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n than_o isaac_n say_v unto_o abraham_n gen._n 22.7_o father_n here_o be_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o wood_n but_o where_o be_v the_o lamb_n for_o the_o burn_a offering_n then_o abraham_n say_v my_o son_n god_n will_v provide_v he_o a_o lamb_n for_o a_o burn_a offering_n vers._n 8._o and_o thus_o yield_v himself_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n he_o receive_v his_o son_n again_o as_o a_o dead_a child_n restore_v to_o life_n so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o case_n of_o extremity_n when_o all_o go_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o can_v see_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o good_a issue_n or_o end_n and_o all_o good_a mean_n seem_v to_o fail_v we_o if_o we_o can_v then_o cast_v ourselves_o on_o god_n providence_n and_o roll_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v comfort_n in_o the_o end_n and_o a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o all_o we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v god_n providence_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o pinch_n that_o we_o fall_v into_o case_n of_o extremity_n then_o we_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n and_o do_v not_o with_o abraham_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n but_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n but_o all_o such_o person_n must_v look_v for_o a_o curse_a issue_n they_o therefore_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v put_v to_o any_o plunge_n or_o extremity_n must_v cast_v themselves_o upon_o god_n whole_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o good_a time_n and_o pleasure_n and_o then_o will_v the_o issue_n be_v both_o joyous_a and_o comfortable_a unto_o their_o soul_n here_o some_o circumstance_n of_o this_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v out_o of_o the_o large_a story_n the_o first_o be_v this_o what_o do_v god_n unto_o abraham_n at_o this_o time_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o kill_v his_o son_n answ._n god_n now_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o slay_v his_o son_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o abraham_n stay_v his_o hand_n god_n before_o command_v he_o to_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n hereupon_o abraham_n go_v but_o now_o be_v come_v to_o the_o place_n have_v bind_v his_o son_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cut_v his_o throat_n god_n bid_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o then_o also_o abraham_n obey_v god_n and_o do_v not_o kill_v his_o son_n here_o we_o see_v abraham_n be_v at_o god_n command_n and_o as_o we_o say_v at_o his_o beck_n he_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o when_o god_n call_v he_o be_v wonderful_a pliable_a to_o do_v god_n command_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o look_a glass_n for_o we_o wherein_o to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v what_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o must_v do_v and_o what_o he_o forbid_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o day_n our_o practice_n general_o be_v contrary_a for_o in_o our_o life_n we_o follow_v our_o own_o humour_n and_o affection_n never_o regard_v what_o god_n do_v either_o will_n or_o will_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v abraham_n child_n we_o must_v follow_v abraham_n practice_n in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n john_n 8.39_o good_a servant_n will_v come_v and_o go_v 8.9_o do_v and_o undo_v at_o their_o lord_n pleasure_n and_o forget_v themselves_o to_o obey_v their_o master_n and_o so_o must_v it_o be_v with_o we_o if_o we_o call_v god_n our_o good_a lord_n and_o master_n luk._n 6.46_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o abraham_n receive_v his_o son_n from_o death_n to_o wit_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o his_o knife_n be_v at_o his_o son_n throat_n and_o he_o himself_o ready_a to_o offer_v he_o up_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n at_o that_o same_o instant_a god_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o say_v abraham_n stay_v thy_o hand_n gen._n 22.10_o this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v for_o god_n let_v
it_o may_v be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v that_o here_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o israelite_n 12._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n that_o when_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o be_v wonderful_o afraid_a and_o murmur_v against_o moses_n say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n then_o to_o come_v into_o the_o desert_n and_o there_o die_v now_o how_o can_v they_o murmur_v impatient_o and_o fearful_o and_o yet_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n answer_n at_o the_o first_o indeed_o they_o murmur_v when_o they_o see_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o have_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o pharaoh_n follow_v they_o and_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o hill_n and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n but_o howsoever_o they_o murmur_v at_o the_o first_o yet_o when_o moses_n speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a &c_n &c_n and_o when_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o rod_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o than_o they_o follow_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o hereupon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o they_o the_o title_n of_o true_a believer_n here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o god_n child_n be_v mingle_v with_o unbelief_n the_o israelite_n faith_n be_v true_a faith_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a &_o sound_a faith_n they_o will_v never_o have_v murmur_v nor_o have_v be_v impatient_a and_o fearful_a but_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v pass_v from_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o but_o by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o contrary_n as_o in_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o one_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o other_o immediate_o but_o first_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n and_o close_v of_o the_o night_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o other_o contrary_n even_o in_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o soul_n unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o now_o unbelief_n can_v be_v expel_v by_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o and_o so_o when_o faith_n prevail_v unbelief_n decay_v neither_o can_v faith_n be_v ever_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v ever_o mingle_v more_o or_o less_o with_o unbelief_n this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v that_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o that_o god_n can_v hate_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v so_o thorough_o sanctify_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sin_n but_o here_o we_o see_v their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a see_v faith_n &_o unbelief_n be_v always_o mingle_v together_o second_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n grace_n look_v as_o faith_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o mix_v with_o unbelief_n so_o be_v all_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_a in_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o judgement_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o when_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o punishment_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o void_a of_o grace_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o fear_v god_n only_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n also_o for_o his_o punishment_n in_o part_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n be_v ever_o mingle_v with_o their_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n only_o and_o not_o for_o judgement_n also_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o best_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o any_o man_n live_v be_v a_o mix_a fear_n further_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o unbelieved_n and_o fearful_a israelite_n do_v stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v so_o we_o according_o must_v labour_n and_o strive_v against_o that_o inbred_a unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o we_o for_o every_o man_n have_v innumerable_a sin_n in_o he_o that_o resist_v faith_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o check_v and_o suppress_v they_o will_v master_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v faith_n to_o continue_v and_o last_v must_v strive_v against_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o this_o place_n and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 9.24_o when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n know_v that_o his_o unbelief_n do_v suppress_v his_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o they_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n luk._n 17.5_o and_o david_n be_v oppress_v with_o deadness_n of_o heart_n stir_v up_o his_o faith_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n wait_v on_o god_n psalm_n 42._o v._n 11._o for_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o unbelief_n and_o the_o more_o it_o trouble_v he_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v unless_o he_o strive_v against_o it_o manful_o 2._o quest._n but_o how_o many_o of_o the_o israelite_n believe_v and_o go_v over_o by_o faith_n ans._n not_o all_o for_o paul_n say_v with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v for_o they_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 1._o cor._n 10.5_o which_o show_v that_o all_o that_o pass_v over_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n for_o some_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o go_v over_o safe_o hence_o we_o note_v this_o which_o have_v be_v often_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o ungodly_a man_n receive_v many_o temporal_a benefit_n by_o the_o society_n of_o god_n people_n which_o believe_v as_o here_o the_o unbelieve_a israelite_n have_v this_o benefit_n to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n safe_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o former_a example_n the_o brute_n beast_n be_v free_v from_o kill_v by_o the_o angel_n because_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n now_o shall_v a_o brute_n beast_n have_v benefit_n by_o be_v with_o gods_n people_n and_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n much_o more_o yes_o undoubted_o for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v that_o for_o paul_n sake_n all_o the_o mariner_n and_o soldier_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n be_v save_v from_o drown_v act._n 27.24_o this_o point_n must_v persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o our_o society_n and_o company_n with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o converse_v for_o by_o they_o we_o reap_v many_o benefit_n and_o freedom_n also_o from_o many_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o three_o point_n be_v this_o when_o do_v the_o israelite_n believe_v this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v they_o believe_v when_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o they_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o their_o father_n but_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o life_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o notable_a point_n they_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o grave_n for_o so_o may_v the_o red_a sea_n be_v well_o call_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o life_n everlasting_a and_o preserve_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o sea_n and_o from_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o here_o do_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v innumerable_a cause_n of_o desperation_n and_o sometime_o his_o own_o conscience_n will_v take_v part_n with_o satan_n in_o charge_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o state_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o heavy_a case_n what_o must_v be_v do_v sure_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v a_o castaway_n in_o himself_o he_o must_v even_o then_o believe_v be_v in_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v he_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v in_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n but_o in_o time_n of_o desperation_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n and_o indeed_o then_o
be_v so_o than_o he_o call_v all_o man_n effectual_o answer_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o meaning_n for_o roman_n 11.15_o he_o expound_v himself_o &_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o world_n say_v that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o age_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o christ_n ascension_n wherein_o god_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o world_n life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n further_o rahab_n be_v here_o note_v by_o a_o notorious_a vice_n she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n whereby_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n certain_a of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o s._n james_n do_v great_a wrong_n unto_o rahab_n for_o call_v she_o a_o harlot_n for_o say_v they_o in_o josuah_n she_o be_v call_v but_o a_o taverner_n or_o hostess_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v use_v in_o josuah_n signify_v two_o thing_n a_o taverner_n and_o a_o harlot_n now_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o it_o be_v general_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o then_o most_o common_o it_o be_v put_v for_o a_o harlot_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n rahab_n have_v no_o wrong_n do_v she_o by_o this_o title_n for_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o josuah_n intend_v to_o show_v what_o a_o one_o she_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o she_o to_o the_o spy_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v into_o that_o harlot_n house_n josuah_n 6.22_o use_v such_o a_o article_n as_o imply_v that_o she_o have_v be_v infamous_a and_o notorious_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n after_o she_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v but_o long_o before_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n neither_o will_v it_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v therein_o she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o life_n past_a for_o which_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n before_o her_o call_n to_o the_o faith_n quest._n how_o can_v she_o believe_v be_v a_o harlot_n in_o former_a time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o answer_n that_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n give_v this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v and_o so_o be_v all_o legal_a threaten_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o her_o sin_n we_o may_v note_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n for_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v most_o notorious_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n to_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o isaiah_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v isaiah_n 55.7_o yea_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n psal._n 130.7_o this_o appear_v by_o vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o rahab_n a_o notable_a harlot_n and_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o rahab_n here_o so_o have_v he_o show_v like_o mercy_n to_o other_o notorious_a sinner_n king_n manasses_n have_v sell_v himself_o to_o idolatry_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o have_v shed_v innocent_a blood_n exceed_v much_o and_o cause_v judah_n to_o sin_n 2._o king_n 21_o 6_o 16_o for_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a yet_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o 2._o chron._n 33.13_o and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o a_o oppresser_n he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n that_o christ_n might_n first_o show_v on_o he_o all_o long_a suffering_n unto_o the_o example_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v in_o time_n to_o come_v believe_v in_o he_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n 1._o tim._n 1_o 13_o 16._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v of_o great_a use_n first_o it_o arm_v a_o poor_a soul_n against_o despair_n whereinto_o the_o devil_n will_v draw_v it_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o many_o reason_n thus_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o heinous_a so_o many_o and_o so_o vile_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o behold_v here_o the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n to_o they_o that_o repent_v though_o they_o be_v like_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a and_o never_o so_o many_o this_o must_v comfort_v the_o wound_a soul_n and_o encourage_v all_o touch_v heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o sue_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n second_o it_o must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v if_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v heretofore_o and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v it_o more_o earnest_o for_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plentiful_a redemption_n yet_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o take_v not_o occasion_n hereby_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a for_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n which_o saint_n jude_n make_v a_o brand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 4._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o reprobate_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v be_v appoint_v to_o condemnation_n yea_o this_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o hereby_o they_o heap_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n roman_n chapter_n 2_o verses_z 4_o 5._o let_v we_o therefore_o remember_v this_o counsel_n of_o paul_n shall_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v we_o must_v all_o but_o especial_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o course_n for_o if_o we_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o but_o his_o wrath_n shall_v smoke_v against_o us._n 20._o further_o note_v that_o howsoever_o she_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o a_o most_o infamous_a harlot_n yet_o when_o she_o repent_v god_n do_v honour_n and_o grace_v she_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o among_o those_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o live_v before_o christ_n even_o to_o be_v one_o of_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n 1._o in_o who_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v 1.5_o that_o saint_n matthew_n reckon_v she_o in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o predecessor_n when_o as_o amasia_n achas_n and_o such_o like_a who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v never_o repent_v be_v not_o once_o name_v herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n wonderful_a mercy_n in_o honour_v sinner_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mouth_n but_o to_o labour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o our_o life_n all_o of_o we_o desire_v honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o mâ—n_z well_o if_o we_o will_v be_v honour_v indeed_o we_o must_v repent_v and_o then_o god_n himself_o will_v honour_v we_o neither_o have_v our_o sin_n make_v we_o so_o infamous_a as_o by_o our_o repentance_n god_n shall_v make_v we_o honourable_a further_o concern_v the_o party_n how_o can_v rahab_n come_v by_o faith_n see_v she_o live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v never_o preach_v unto_o she_o answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o she_o come_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o god_n marvellous_a act_n 2.20_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o drown_v pharaoh_n therein_o with_o all_o his_o â—oast_n as_o they_o go_v further_o he_o deliver_v the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o og_n the_o king_n of_o baashan_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o amalekite_n now_o the_o report_n hereof_o come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n whereupon_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o wonderful_a great_a fear_n and_o howsoever_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o arm_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o resist_v and_o beat_v back_o the_o israelite_n yet_o this_o report_n wrought_v further_o with_o rahab_n and_o
the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o the_o believer_n live_v in_o these_o last_o day_n may_v have_v time_n of_o be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v with_o they_o that_o live_v before_o for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n or_o david_n or_o thereabout_a then_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o have_v come_v the_o soon_o for_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o pet_n 1_o 20._o now_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v soon_o cut_v off_o then_o have_v there_o not_o be_v time_n of_o birth_n and_o calling_n for_o all_o the_o elect_a that_o now_o live_v and_o shall_v live_v therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n be_v christ_n come_n defer_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o in_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v perfect_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a believer_n in_o the_o old_a we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o these_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o grace_n &_o practice_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n for_o how_o can_v we_o look_v to_o be_v glorify_v with_o they_o after_o this_o life_n if_o here_o we_o be_v not_o like_o they_o in_o grace_n christ_n tell_v his_o follower_n that_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n to_o sit_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math_n 8.11_o 12_o because_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o these_o patriarch_n in_o the_o faith_n when_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v many_o jew_n by_o birth_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n now_o if_o christ_n deny_v to_o glorify_v the_o child_n and_o posterity_n of_o these_o ancient_a believer_n because_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n how_o can_v we_o which_o be_v by_o nature_n sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n look_v to_o be_v glorify_v with_o they_o unless_o in_o grace_n and_o obedience_n we_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o they_o thus_o much_o for_o these_o example_n of_o faith_n now_o something_o must_v be_v add_v out_o of_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o all_o these_o worthy_a example_n a_o commentary_n upon_o part_n of_o the_o 12._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n 1._o wherefore_o let_v we_o also_o see_v we_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n cast_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o press_v down_o and_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o us._n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n propound_v a_o worthy_a exhortation_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o hold_v embracing_z and_o beeleeve_v true_a christian_a religion_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v frame_v thus_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v likewise_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o live_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o all_o the_o example_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o conclusion_n or_o sequel_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o 1._o verse_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o point_n a_o exhortation_n unto_o constancy_n in_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o the_o exhortation_n be_v infer_v upon_o the_o former_a example_n which_o be_v all_o here_o apply_v as_o precedent_n and_o direction_n unto_o we_o for_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v see_v abel_n enoch_n no_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n who_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n unto_o we_o that_o be_v light_n and_o leader_n before_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o true_a religion_n whether_o we_o respect_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n or_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o we_o also_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n hereunto_o stand_v in_o three_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v let_v we_o cast_v away_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o exhortation_n first_o in_o general_a the_o very_a infer_v of_o it_o from_o the_o former_a example_n teach_v we_o this_o special_a duty_n that_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n must_v apply_v unto_o himself_o those_o instruction_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o either_o general_o in_o doctrine_n or_o particular_o in_o example_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v not_o let_v the_o galatian_n or_o the_o corinthian_n which_o be_v renown_v church_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o that_o be_v you_o hebrew_n with_o myself_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o your_o ancient_a father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v god_n word_n but_o it_o be_v not_o profitable_a unto_o they_o 4.2_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o what_o be_v it_o to_o mingle_v the_o word_n with_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a but_o also_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o undoubted_o god_n word_n thus_o apply_v to_o a_o man_n particular_a person_n have_v in_o it_o great_a power_n and_o fruit_n whether_o we_o regard_v information_n of_o judgement_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o do_v and_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o do_v sincere_o apply_v unto_o himself_o either_o general_a doctrine_n or_o particular_a example_n we_o be_v all_o prone_a to_o shift_v it_o from_o ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o upon_o other_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a item_n or_o a_o good_a lesson_n for_o such_o a_o one_o or_o such_o a_o one_o if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o if_o he_o will_v mark_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n what_o benefit_n reap_v we_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o word_n not_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o do_v we_o no_o good_a it_o be_v like_a physic_n not_o take_v or_o food_n not_o eat_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o we_o hear_v much_o yet_o we_o profit_v little_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n we_o must_v therefore_o learn_v to_o follow_v mary_n example_n who_o ponder_v christ_n word_n and_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o she_o own_o heart_n when_o a_o exhortation_n be_v give_v we_o must_v not_o post_v it_o off_o and_o lay_v it_o upon_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n say_v this_o instruction_n be_v for_o i_o hereby_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v feel_v great_a blessing_n upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n than_o yet_o we_o do_v and_o to_o move_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o satan_n our_o utter_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o our_o destruction_n be_v most_o busy_a to_o hinder_v this_o application_n of_o the_o word_n either_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o by_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o minister_n by_o occasion_n out_o of_o god_n word_n shall_v confute_v either_o error_n in_o judgement_n or_o misdemeanour_n in_o life_n then_o man_n that_o hear_v and_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o error_n or_o my_o fault_n now_o be_o i_o confute_v or_o reprove_v and_o god_n no_o doubt_n if_o man_n will_v thus_o do_v will_v make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o they_o at_o the_o length_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o this_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o either_o through_o our_o own_o corruption_n or_o satan_n suggestion_n or_o both_o we_o shift_v it_o from_o ourselves_o and_o say_v now_o he_o reprove_v such_o a_o one_o and_o such_o a_o one_o and_o speak_v against_o such_o and_o such_o and_o indeed_o satan_n by_o his_o good_a will_n will_v never_o have_v a_o man_n to_o apply_v the_o word_n right_o to_o himself_o therefore_o see_v satan_n be_v so_o busy_a and_o this_o be_v his_o deceit_n to_o make_v a_o man_n shift_v off_o a_o exhortation_n or_o reproof_n from_o himself_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o on_o other_o we_o must_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o